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2025-03-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

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Message from the President

They’ve been called a nuisance and blamed for delays, costs, and red tape by people who should know better. This year, bats were dragged into a political argument about planning and progress and absurdly turned into scapegoats. But of course, they’re not a problem. They’re part of a desperately needed solution.

Bats are builders. Of biodiversity. Of balance. Of beauty. They navigate our fractured landscapes with astonishing skill, survive against all the odds we keep stacking against them, and still find ways to thrive… if only we give them the chance.

This annual report tells a story of hearty resistance, not just against mad

damaging laws, but against crazy damaging narratives. And it tells another story too: of how, quietly and persistently, people across the UK have stood up for bats — not solely out of sentiment, but out of real science, resolute solidarity, and a deep sense of care.

In Devon, a remarkable project brought farmers, young people, and those from under-represented backgrounds together to restore habitats and reconnect fragmented landscapes. Helping bats became a way to help people — building new skills, strengthening communities, and showing that farming and wildlife can thrive side by side.

In London, our NightWatch programme took flight and continues to bring diverse new voices into conservation: 40% of participants identified as from minority ethnic backgrounds, and 29% as disabled. These are not just statistics, they are signs of a movement becoming essentially broader, braver, and more inclusive.

And across the country, we looked after the people who look after bats. Volunteer carers (including those who answer distress calls and drive ‘bat ambulances’) shared how we could support their incredible work even better. One result: a smarter call-routing system that uses real-world travel times, not just straight-line distance, to get help where it’s needed faster. It’s simple. It’s effective. And it could save lives.

Through all this, one thing is clear: bats don’t block progress. They show us how to make it.

It’s been an annoying year. But I’m very pleased to stand with Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) — and with every person who’s lent their voice, their time, or their resources to protect these beautiful, fascinating and extraordinary animals. Thank you for being a positive part of their brilliant story.

Chris Packham CBE, President, Bat Conservation Trust

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Chair and Chief Executive’s Review

Facing threats, finding strength: how strategy and community power our mission

Conservation doesn’t just happen in wild places. It happens in Whitehall, in planning policy, and in public conversation — all of which made this one of the most difficult years in recent memory for bats and for biodiversity more broadly.

The government’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill threatens to undo hard-won legal protections for bats and their habitats. This moment has tested us and proved the value of our new strategy. Its five objectives are not just words on a page; they are how we rise to challenges like this, and how we work for a better future.

Influence has been at the heart of our response. We’ve challenged damaging narratives, briefed ministers and civil servants, and made the case for smarter, evidence-led planning that works for both nature and people.

But we can’t influence without action. Our ability to act (to train planners, ecologists and land managers) ensures that conservation knowledge translates into real-world decisions, every day.

At the same time, we continue to discover. From AI-powered acoustic identification to genetics, BCT science provides the evidence base that underpins our advocacy, strengthens our case, and helps us focus where the need is greatest.

This year also showed the power of connection. When decision-makers didn't listen, our supporters raised their voices — with an incredible 573 MPs contacted about the Bill by BCT supporters. This is connect in action — building a growing movement that speaks up for bats and the ecosystems we all depend on.

And through it all, we’ve worked to strengthen BCT itself: developing inclusive ways of working, securing new partnerships, and investing in the resilience needed to navigate an uncertain political landscape.

Thank you for standing with us.

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Jean Matthews, Chair, Board of Trustees
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Kit Stoner, Chief Executive
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INTRODUCTION

Why bats? Why now?

Bats are a chance for us to do better

Bats account for more than a quarter of mammal species in the UK and around 20% of all mammal species worldwide, but most people rarely see them — let alone realise how important they are.

From woodland canopies to city rooftops, bats are quietly playing a vital role in keeping our ecosystems in balance. They feed on vast numbers of insects, helping reduce the need for pesticides. And because they are extremely sensitive to changes in the environment, their presence — or absence — tells us a lot about the wider health of our natural heritage.

But right now, bats are in trouble. All of our 18 species are yet to recover from historical declines and four are highly endangered. Bat species are struggling because of habitat loss, climate change and development. Proposed planning reforms, which reduce environmental protections, could cause them to disappear from some places.

Conservation that works for wildlife and people

Bats benefit from strong legal protection, and targeted conservation has helped some species in some areas begin to recover. This shows us that when we act on evidence, we can turn things around — not just for bats, but for entire ecosystems. And by saving bats, we also protect the places people love: our woodlands, green spaces, and night skies. We also know that helping wildlife helps people too. From wellbeing benefits to citizen science, from urban greening to education, bat conservation connects communities and nature in powerful ways.

A plan for the future

In 2024, BCT launched a bold new strategy for the decade ahead. Rooted in science, shaped by experience, and focused on impact, our strategy sets out five clear goals: grow the evidence, strengthen policy, protect habitats, engage the public, and build a stronger BCT. This report shares how we’re bringing that strategy to life — one place, one project, and one partnership at a time.

Pipistrelle species in hand, left to right: Nathusius’s, soprano and common.

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1. ACT

Turning knowledge into action

Protecting bats means protecting the places we all depend on. Whether it’s championing better building practices, tackling wildlife crime, or driving innovation, we’re turning expertise into impact.

By offering training, guidance, and onthe-ground conservation, we help others make informed choices that protect bats today and for the long term. Over the past year, we’ve worked alongside ecologists, landowners, developers, farmers, and policymakers to ensure bat conservation is part of everyday decisions.

© BCT

Community open day at the farm with our regenerative farming project, Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate .

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Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate

Helping wildlife and farming thrive together in Devon

Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate (CPL) is an ambitious and evolving partnership project uniting a diverse and dynamic range of organisations. Partners include BCT, University of Exeter, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Devon Wildlife Trust, South Devon and East Devon National Landscapes, and Devon Communities Together.

Set in the farmed landscapes of Devon but with relevance for farming and bats UK-wide, this work aims to create a countryside where nature and people can thrive together in the face of climate change.

❝ Lovely family, informative day and great to spend time outside! Thank you. ❞ Community open day attendee at a CPL farm.

Putting nature back into farmland

Devon’s countryside is home to rare and threatened nocturnal species including greater horseshoe bats, hedgehogs and dormice but agricultural intensification has pushed these species to the edge. By supporting regenerative farming, we’re helping farmers become more sustainable and produce food in ways that restore biodiversity, build soil health, and create more resilient landscapes.

To date, the project has worked with 97 farmers and improved over 600 hectares of farmland for nature. That includes planting native trees, creating species-rich grasslands, and restoring traditional orchards — 18 regenerative farming initiatives in total.

Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate grows people as well as habitats. In just one quarter, we worked with more than 240 people providing training, open days, support for farmers and practical conservation.

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Turning knowledge into action

Reaching the people who can make change happen

Farmland covers around 70% of the UK, so helping farmers steward the land has a significant positive impact on nature. We’ve provided over 80 one-to-one advice sessions and continue to support farmers as they navigate shifting agricultural policy, practice and funding. These trusted relationships are helping bring about meaningful, long-term changes on the ground.

We’re also piloting volunteer days on farms to understand what’s most engaging for communities and where we can offer long-term opportunities to get involved in nature-friendly land management.

Training and learning at every level

❝ A highlight has been seeing the abundance of wildlife on the farms such as barn owls, deer, and foxes. Another has been meeting lots of new people from varied backgrounds and finding out about their roles. This has been a great opportunity to learn about an industry I knew little about. ❞ One of CPL’s Junior Landscape Surveyors shares their experience.

From new farmers to future conservationists, this project is growing people as well as habitats. In just one quarter, we ran nine training events and 79 wider engagement activities, working with more than 240 people. These ranged from co-created youth sessions to farm bioblitzes and wildlife surveys.

We’re also offering paid traineeships to support young people, career-changers and those from underrepresented backgrounds, building the skills and confidence to take up roles in conservation and land stewardship.

Building a future where bats and people thrive together

Although still in its initial stages, Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate is already showing the power of joined-up thinking.

By creating space for wildlife on farms, strengthening relationships between farmers and their communities, and helping people reconnect with nature, the project directly contributes to BCT’s wider vision: a world where bats and people thrive together.

The Roost Partnership builds safer homes for bats

Bats need safe places to roost, even in towns and cities. But as older buildings are lost or renovated, their natural shelters are disappearing. The Roost Partnership — a collaboration between BCT and manufacturers of bat roosting products — is making sure the built environment works for bats too.

Now featuring six innovative products from four industry partners, the scheme includes specially designed bat boxes, tiles and tubes that are both bat-friendly and practical for use in buildings. These designs are informed by the latest research and best practice guidance.

Instead of endorsing individual products, the Roost Partnership fosters collaboration between conservation and construction. It also serves as a knowledge-sharing hub, capturing insights from those on the ground to keep pushing best practice forward.

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Smart solutions: Manthorpe Ridge Roost and Cladmate Bat Roost Box

Designed to counteract the loss of wildlife-friendly features in modern construction, both of these innovative, easy-to-install ridge-end roost solutions developed and tested through the Roost Partnership provide essential shelter for crevice-dwelling bat species; the Manthorpe Ridge Roost at the gable end of the roof and the Cladmate Bat Roost Box in the skin of a cladded building.

Through collaboration, research, and real-world solutions, the Roost Partnership is helping to integrate bat conservation into the future of building design.

Developed and tested through the Roost Partnership, both the Manthorpe Ridge Roost (left) and the Cladmate Bat Roost Box (right) are easy to install.

Conservation in housing: getting the balance right

Bats often shelter in buildings, but large-scale housing repairs can disrupt or destroy these roosts. Our new guidance is helping people protect bats without halting essential work. Published in December 2024, Bats and Large-Scale Housing Maintenance Projects Guidance for England offers practical advice for property owners, architects and ecologists.

Developed with Natural England and sector experts, the guidance bridges the gap between conservation and routine housing maintenance — a challenge not always addressed by traditional approaches.

In February 2025, we ran a well-received online seminar to support its rollout. By supporting evidence-led, pragmatic solutions, we’re helping conservation thrive even in challenging times.

Pushing boundaries at the Bat Tracking Methodologies Conference

To protect bats, we need to understand where they go and what they need. Thanks to innovative tracking technology, we’re gaining clearer insights than ever — and bringing the right people together to shape the future.

In 2024, the Bat Tracking Methodologies Conference at the University of Warwick brought together leading minds to share knowledge, refine techniques, and explore the next generation of tracking tools.

Discussions covered GPS, radio tracking, Motus, and new innovations, with deep dives into data handling and visualisation. The in-person event will be followed by a virtual conference and published proceedings in 2025.

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Turning knowledge into action

We also welcomed Professor Fiona Matthews (University of Sussex), whose keynote set the tone for thoughtful discussions — including a lively ethics panel chaired by our Director of Conservation.

By fostering collaboration we're guiding best practice to ensure that tracking benefits bat species.

Bats and churches: supporting harmony

Churches have long provided shelter for bats but living alongside them can present challenges. That’s why we’ve launched a new grant fund to offer practical support. As a legacy of the Bats in Churches project, our new Living Alongside Bats in Churches Grant helps places of worship across England manage roost-related challenges sustainably.

From seasonal cleaning and pew covers to small-scale repairs, the fund helps churches find practical ways to live alongside bats. It also supports nature-based activities that deepen the connection between communities, wildlife, and place. Together, we’re supporting both bats and the historic spaces they call home.

Our new Living Alongside Bats in Churches Grant is a legacy of the Bats in Churches project, that helps places of worship across England manage roost-related challenges sustainably.

Cracking down on crime with a win for bat protection

Bat roosts are protected by law — but laws only work when enforced. Thanks to advocacy from our Wildlife Crime Officer, bat crime has once again been recognised as a UK wildlife crime priority.

Agreed at the Wildlife Crime Conservation Advisory Group, this decision means bat crime will receive increased attention from enforcement agencies over the next three years. It’s a major step toward protecting bats from harm and holding offenders to account.

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New bat group boosts conservation in East Lancashire

For years, East Lancashire’s bats had no dedicated group to look out for them. But now, thanks to local passion and help from BCT, that’s changing.

Despite Lancashire already having three bat groups, a gap remained in East Lancashire, leaving local bat populations under-studied. The newly formed East Lancashire Bat Group (ELBG) is set to change that by launching surveys and increasing awareness in the region.

BCT’s role in supporting ELBG

Establishing a new group isn’t easy and earlier attempts had stalled. BCT’s Bat Groups Officer played a key role in advising and supporting ELBG. With this support, ELBG is now ready to contribute valuable data and help more people connect with bat conservation in their area.

Putting knowledge into action 2024-25

Beyond our headline projects, we’ve continued to give expert advice, practical tools, and hands-on support across the UK. Here are just a few ways we’ve made an impact over the last year:

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Turning knowledge into action

Lesser horseshoe bats are the focus of our Stars of the Night project for Natur am Byth in Wales.

Together, let’s keep building a better future for bats — one action at a time

Become a corporate partner to make a difference.

By working with us, your organisation will help to create a healthier environment for wildlife and people alike. A partnership with us can also support your Corporate Social Responsibility goals and bring valuable benefits to your business.

To find out more, please contact our Director of Communications and Fundraising, Dr Joe Nunez-Mino, jnunez-mino@bats.org.uk

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este aa re a Gobaith Coetir (Woodland Hope) connects children in Wales to their cultural and natural heritage through music, trees, and bats.

Changing minds, connecting communities

Creative connections

through events that inspire

This year we delivered a diverse range of engagement events across the UK — from special interest sessions for bat carers and citizen scientists, to bold, inclusive public experiences that welcomed new audiences.

🎹 Our Celtic rainforest project Gobaith Coetir (Woodland Hope) worked with Welsh musicians to create a song about bats. Written in Welsh to foster connection with children in Wales, Can yr Ystlum (The Bat Song) celebrates the deep bond between bats and the rainforest. Our team have worked with schools, taking classes to rainforest sites and teaching them the song.

So far, more than 200 children have had a chance to learn about their cultural and natural heritage through these unique engagement sessions.

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We would like to thank everyone involved in this week’s workshops with the pupils of Bro Idris — the feedback from the children was very positive, everyone enjoyed it and had a great time. ❞ Teacher whose class took part in our The Bat Song workshops.

🦉 v NightWatch led more than a dozen events across London, co-hosting inclusive bat walks with groups like Sustainably Muslim, Touch Grass, and dementia care homes. The project also piloted a Local Coordinator scheme, training 20+ community members to run bat walks and surveys in their own neighbourhoods. S 😂 Bats and Belly Laughs combined comedy, creativity, and conservation. Cocreated with Wanderers of Colour, the evening featured stand-up, storytelling, and the premiere of Stories Under Starlight .

One attendee summed it up beautifully:

❝ I had a lovely time. I’m really into bats now, so if that was the event’s intention, it worked on me.' ❞

With 58 participants (aged 7 to 60+), over 30% from underrepresented backgrounds, and 10 amazing volunteers, the event buzzed with energy — and pipistrelles!

Bats and Belly Laughs, cocreated with Wanderers of Colour, blended comedy, storytelling, and conservation.

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Changing the story on bats and health

Our communications work helps ensure bats are spoken about in ways that are accurate, science-based, and empowering. Thanks to funding from the Rufford Foundation, we developed Let’s talk about bats and health — a free communications toolkit to support conservationists and researchers in shaping messages that reduce stigma and increase support across the world.

Available in English and Spanish, with more translations to come, the toolkit is a practical step toward making bats part of everyday conservation conversations.

A more inclusive movement

Behind the scenes, we’re supporting the wider bat community to engage more people in more meaningful ways.

Growing a community for bats

More people than ever are choosing to stand up for bats. Our membership grew by 3% this year, with nearly 5,300 individuals now part of the BCT community — including four new life members whose long-term commitment strengthens everything we do.

One of our most

heartening moments came in December 2024, when we saw our highest-ever number of Adopt a Bat subscriptions in a single month. Thirty-four people chose to give the gift of bat conservation over the festive season, showing that bats can inspire care and generosity.

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Changing minds, connecting communities

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The cuddly Daubenton's
bat keyring was a
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Christmas 2024.
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Telling bat stories in new places and to more people

Our digital platforms are vital tools for sharing insight, building empathy, and encouraging action. This year, we’ve expanded our reach by embracing new platforms and refreshing how we tell bat stories.

Our blog is now on Substack

In 2024, we revamped our blog and created an account on Substack, an increasingly popular online subscription platform. Substack allows readers to subscribe easily and get new posts straight to their inbox, helping us stay connected with our community.

These changes make our blog more accessible and engaging. Whether we’re sharing personal perspectives from bat carers or exploring complex issues like planning reform, the blog gives us space to go deeper and bring more people along on the journey.

Hello Bluesky: BCT joins the growing online platform

We also joined BlueSky in 2024, expanding our digital presence and making space for more thoughtful conversations about bat conservation. So far, we have 3K followers and hundreds of new people join us each month.

BlueSky is helping us build visibility in a space where quality conversations still thrive — something that’s increasingly important for sharing evidence-based messages about bats and biodiversity.

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Our podcast reaches 100K downloads

BatChat podcast, hosted by ecologist and BCT trustee Steve Roe, reached 100K early in 2025. This award-winning podcast takes you behind the scenes with experts, conservationists, and passionate bat lovers across the UK and beyond. Each episode is recorded on location, bringing listeners closer to bats and the people protecting them.

Record numbers visit our website

Our website saw fantastic growth over the past year. In 2024-25, we had 1,128,958 visitors — up from 1,000,201 the year before, which is a 12.9% increase. Page views also went up, from 2,140,661 to 2,279,420, a 6.5% rise. It’s clear more people are finding and using the site, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum.

1,128,958 website visits

Follow the flight

From challenging misinformation to sharing the wonder of bat life, we’re building a community of people who care — and want to make a difference.

Join the conversation, stay informed, and help us shift the narrative about bats and biodiversity.

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/batconservation.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/batconservationtrust/

Substack: batconservation.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batconservationtrust/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BatConservationTrust/

www.bats.org.uk 🌐

The Bechstein's bat is one of the UK's rarest bats. Found almost exclusively in woodland habitat, the destruction of ancient mature forests and intensive woodland management practices has led to a decline in its numbers.

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3. DISCOVER

Advancing science to protect bats

To help bat populations recover and thrive across the UK, we start with something simple: understanding them better. Every bat call recorded, every survey completed, and every new discovery helps us conserve and protect bat species and their habitats.

An audio detector on-site for one of our conservation projects.

That’s why we’re focusing our research on where bats live now, how they’re adapting to change, and what they need to survive and flourish. From city streets to ancient woodlands, we’re building a a picture of how bats are doing and how we can help.

Transforming bat research with acoustic and genetic innovation

Because bats use echolocation to navigate and feed, we can ‘listen in’ on their world to learn more. Sound is a powerful tool for studying bats, and our research is expanding how we use ecoacoustics (large-scale environmental sound recordings) to assess environmental health.

At the same time, we are breaking new ground in genetics and population monitoring:

With funding from JNCC, we have begun adapting our Sound Classification System for local scale monitoring, via the Local Change Monitoring Programme.

Understanding bats across different landscapes

Britain’s bats don’t just need dark skies and quiet roosts; they rely on healthy landscapes. From temperate rainforests to working farms, our research explores what bats need to thrive in these changing environments. Our research ensures conservation efforts are informed by the best available evidence.

Woodlands and agricultural land

Some of the UK’s 18 resident bat species are woodland specialists, and these species are generally rare, threatened and hard to monitor. To learn more about these species we’ve teamed up with the Vincent Wildlife Trust to develop the National Barbastelle and Bechstein’s Bat Survey. So far, we have:

l Conducted acoustic surveys for barbastelle bats in key woodland sites.

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Advancing science to protect bats

In our towns and cities

Cities can be challenging places for bats but also full of unexpected opportunities. Our work in urban areas helps ensure planning decisions support nature, not harm it.

We are co-designing nature-based solutions with local authorities to tackle 🏡 me key environmental challenges.

A mixed picture for UK bats: signs of hope amid emerging concerns

The UK has 18 species of bat, including Daubenton’s bat, which hunts over or near water, using its large feet to catch prey.

5-year trends — a first for the National Bat Monitoring Programme

The latest annual report from the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) offers encouraging news: of the 11 UK bat species which NMBP monitors over the long-term, none show overall declines. Even more promising, five species show early signs of recovery from historic losses, a testament to the power of legal protection and targeted conservation.

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However, new short-term trend analyses reveal cause for concern. For the first time, NBMP data were assessed over a five-year window — revealing that two iconic species may now be in decline:

l Brown long-eared bats decreased by 11.2% across Great Britain.

l In England, lesser horseshoe bats dropped by 12.3%, although this species continues to increase in Wales.

These findings highlight the need to better understand recent pressures and how they may differ by region.

Looking back to look forward

The long-term findings of the NBMP underscore the importance of consistent monitoring. But they must be viewed in the context of severe historic declines. Genetic research conducted in partnership with the University of Exeter in 2023 revealed that the endangered barbastelle bat has declined by an estimated 99% over the last several hundred years — a sobering reminder of what’s at stake.

Still, there is hope. As recognised in the State of Nature report 2023, some UK bat species are among the few native wildlife groups showing positive recovery trends. This progress is only possible thanks to legal protections and dedicated conservation work — protections that must be maintained.

NightWatch: Opening up urban conservation for all

NightWatch is one of BCT’s most exciting and inclusive projects — designed to open wildlife monitoring to people who are historically under-represented in conservation. This project brings bat conservation into the heart of our towns and cities, connecting communities with the wildlife around them in accessible and meaningful ways.

❝ I can’t tell you how much it’s made a difference to me as a deeply and invisibly disabled person of colour... to have had this wild opportunity to meet EXACTLY the kind of people I’ve been looking for & basically just have joy & discovery & happiness. ❞ A NightWatch participant.

That sense of wonder is what NightWatch is all about: connecting people with each other and the nature around them in ways that are easy, joyful, and meaningful.

A successful season in London

Limited funding meant we couldn’t run NightWatch across Great Britain in 2024-25, but thanks to support from the Greater London Authority, the project came to life in London. The results were inspiring:

l 40% of participants identified as being from minority ethnic backgrounds.

l 29% identified as having a disability.

These figures meet or exceed the demographic makeup of the city, demonstrating NightWatch’s power to engage new audiences in conservation.

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Advancing science to protect bats

Bats in sacred spaces

A compilation of quotes from NightWatchers about their experiences of this ground-breaking project.

A new pilot survey for places of worship

Churches are some of the most important historic buildings in the UK and some of the wildest too. Early in 2024, our pilot survey helped 15 churches discover more about their resident bats. For many, it was their first real glimpse into this hidden world and the start of a new relationship between the sacred and the wild.

One church’s feedback reflects how this pilot scheme is working:

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We know now what we need to think about if getting repairs done. It also really adds to our building to know we have lovely bats live here too. ❞ St Cuthbert’s, Elsdon.

Bringing bat conservation into the heart of communities

This new survey builds on the legacy of the Bats in Churches (BiC) project. Our goal? To continue offering free, informative surveys to places of worship across England, helping them better understand and live alongside their bat residents. Led by BCT’s newly appointed Bats in Churches Advisor, the pilot focused on 15 presence/absence surveys. These were carried out over the summer of 2024 by trained Natural England Volunteer Bat Roost Visitors (VBRVs).

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Connecting churches with their wildest residents

This pilot was about more than just data; it was about relationships. Each survey helped build confidence and skills among our volunteers and their trainees, and deepened connections with local church communities.

For many volunteers, this was their first time surveying places of worship. For the churches, it opened a whole new understanding of the wildlife sharing their sacred spaces.

Survey success: better knowledge, stronger partnerships

The pilot made a real difference:

Looking ahead

With such a positive response, this pilot has laid the foundations for expanding surveys like this across more communities — bridging the gap between built heritage and biodiversity.

Bats In Churches project was created to work with churches, bat workers and heritage communities to provide advice for any church with resident bats. Whilst BiC fi nished in 2023, it has led to more projects such as this pilot.

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Advancing science to protect bats

Tracking bats, advancing conservation

The National Ringed Bat Database

Every tiny ring tells a story. Until recently, those stories were scattered. Now, with the launch of the National Ringed Bat Database, we’re bringing them together. Bat ringing is an important research tool, identifying individual bats over time to provide insights into their lifespan, migration, and habitat use. Until recently, the UK had no national system for storing this data, limiting its long-term scientific value.

With the launch of the National Ringed Bat Database, we ensure that every ringed bat contributes to a bigger picture of bat conservation, whilst allowing ringers to retain control of their data. This database enables researchers to:

l Upload and manage ringing and recapture records, both current and historic.

l View ringed bat records on a map.

l Order bat rings.

By centralising this data, we can improve conservation efforts and ensure that every bat ringed helps protect the species for the future.

A close-up photo of bat rings. With the launch of the National Ringed Bat Database, we ensure that every ringed bat contributes to a bigger picture of bat conservation.

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A year of scientific progress

From pioneering new acoustic and genetic research techniques to expanding habitat-based studies and offering data-driven guidance for conservation planning, our scientific research is shaping the future of bat conservation. These achievements are only possible thanks to our funders and collaborators, whose support allows us to push the boundaries of bat research — delivering lasting benefits for bats, people, and the wider environment.

Help us in advance bat conservation science

What’s good for bats is good for people: clean air and water, healthier woodlands, greener cities, stronger communities.

If you believe in a world where nature and people thrive side by side, consider donating to BCT today.

Visit our website to donate: https://www.bats.org.uk/donate/pledge

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© Claudia Gebhardt
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Bat worker in Scotland carrying out fi eldwork including trapping.

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4. INFLUENCE

Championing policies and decisions that protect bats

BCT staff and volunteers at the Restore Nature Now rally.

We champion laws and policies that reflect the real needs of bats — across landscapes, habitats, and species. Drawing on science and expertise, we work with partners and all levels of government to protect and restore bat populations.

Our policy team tracks legislation, assesses its impact, and acts where needed. We’re developing a new plan to engage and empower species and nature champions — amplifying our voice in national debates. At the same time, we’re strengthening our role in key advisory groups and decision-making spaces to keep bats on the agenda.

Launching the Bat Conservation Manifesto: a vision for policy change

This year, BCT launched its first-ever Bat Conservation Manifesto, ensuring that decision-makers have access to clear, evidence-based policies that support bat species recovery. Developed by our experts, this manifesto outlines the urgent actions needed to protect bats and their habitats in the face of mounting challenges, from climate change to habitat loss and underfunded environmental services.

Bringing bats into the political conversation

Bats are still at risk, with some species in decline or even facing extinction in parts of the UK. While legal protections have played a crucial role in conservation success stories, stronger policies are needed to secure a future where bats and people can thrive together. That’s why we’ve set out five key actions that every political party should commit to.

l Keep and strengthen legal protections for bats.

l Ensure all new developments support wildlife .

l Implement climate solutions that work for nature.

l Support nature-friendly farming through sustainable policies.

l Strengthen enforcement against wildlife crime .

By presenting these clear policy solutions, we are making it easier for politicians to champion bat conservation. With our manifesto in hand, we are actively engaging with decision-makers to push for a future where bats — and the ecosystems they support — are protected and valued.

Responding to planning reform threats

As the UK government has driven forward planning reforms, BCT has been at the forefront of evidence-based resistance. Proposed reforms directly threaten the legal safeguards in place for bats, other vulnerable species and precious habitats, and do not tackle the real causes of problems with planning and development.

Challenging harmful proposals: site-based surveys

One concerning aspect of the proposed planning reforms is the potential removal of site-based surveys. Site-based surveys are essential for finding bat roosts on sites and therefore being able to both mitigate harm and check impacts over time.

Championing better planning based on evidence

BCT has consistently advocated for smarter planning that benefits nature, people and developers. And we have a long history of working with planning policy decision-makers to get the best outcomes for all.

As such we’re disappointed to see policy changes being proposed which do not reflect what the evidence shows will and will not work, for nature or for planning.

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Championing policies and decisions that protect bats

#ManifestoForBats

Our five asks for every political party:

:A res

Our Manifesto for Bats had fi ve asks for all political parties.

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Legal reviews and advocacy

BCT’s policy team has been reviewing the government’s planning reform proposals in detail, assessing their potential impact on existing wildlife protections.

Where consultations were opened, we submitted to them, highlighting risks posed to bats and broader biodiversity. For example, we responded to the consultation for Planning Reform: Development and Nature Recovery Working Paper.

When there weren’t consultations, we gave evidence in whatever way we could. We've sent briefings directly to government ministers, such as the Secretary of State for Housing and the Environment. We have responded to over 30 government consultations and over 570 MPs (at the time of writing) were contacted by BCT supporters about concerns related to planning reforms.

Our message is consistent: evidence shows that it is the implementation of wildlife laws rather than the protections for wildlife themselves which can cause problems. Conversely, weakening these protections will lead to long-term ecological damage — which would ultimately be counterproductive for both nature and developers.

Meeting with decision-makers

Beyond written submissions, BCT has actively engaged with decision-makers to ensure that our voices are heard. For example, in response to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, BCT met with officials to explain the importance of site-based surveys and to emphasise that proper planning, with wildlife protection in mind, benefits both development and the environment. We hope to continue to engage positively where possible and will always be open to having these conversations with decision makers.

We launched a campaign in November 2024 to mobilise our supporters and help us protect bats and other wildlife from the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

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Championing policies and decisions that protect bats

Mobilising our supporters

Early in 2025, we mobilised our supporters to let their MPs know they’re worried about planning reform. In one of our most successful campaigns, our supporters contacted 80 MPs within a few weeks of our launch — and the number climbed to 573 (and still rising) at the time of writing this report.

We will continue to work with other conservation organisations to ask for essential amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that will help mitigate the worst of the harm it will cause to wildlife.

Challenging the rhetoric scapegoating bats

2024-25 saw an increase in the scapegoating of bats — and other wildlife — to justify changes to wildlife protections. Repeatedly we saw the government unfairly blame bats and other wildlife for delaying house building and development projects. We’ve been working hard to expose these misleading narratives.

Debunking the myth of the bat tunnel

In the run up to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the so-called HS2 bat tunnel was repeatedly referenced by government and in the media. A false narrative was developed which painted bats as a costly hindrance to development.

In response we created an evidence-based communications campaign to show that the real problem wasn’t bats, but poor management and lack of strategic environmental assessments at an early stage. We used this campaign to further mobilise our supporters to get these the facts in front of as many decisionmakers as possible.

❝ I'm annoyed that you're having to field all these questions about the tunnel when BCT had nothing to do with it in the first place. BUT the article has some amazing detective work and sets the record properly straight. I'll be asking my MP to oppose the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.' ❞ A response to our Throwing bats under the train: HS2’s bat tunnel and the dangerous spin behind deregulation news article.

Changing the narrative

BCT has always worked to shift the conversation around bats and development more widely. Instead of accepting the false narrative that they block growth, we’ve shown that bats are key to a healthy environment and economy.

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Backing the evidence, shaping the future

BCT continues to challenge harmful rhetoric, advocating for a balanced approach where nature and development thrive together.

With your support, we’ll keep pushing for a future where bats are protected and evidence informs decisions.

Grey long-eared bats are very rare medium sized bats found only in a few places in southern England. They are one of two long-eared bat species in the UK.

Sign up to our campaigns email list and make our voice louder: www.bats.org.uk/bat-campaigns-list

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5. STRENGTHEN

Securing a sustainable future for bats, BCT, and our community

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BCT staff at a team
away day.
© Joe Nunez-Mino.
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To protect bats and inspire change, BCT must be strong from the inside out. Our strategy puts just as much focus on how we work as what we do — from equity and inclusion to fundraising, IT and environmental policies.

By supporting our staff, volunteers and partners with the tools, systems and culture they need, we’re building a more resilient, impactful organisation for the future.

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A clear path for bat conservation

BCT launches new strategy to guide the next decade

As set out in the introduction, BCT launched a new three-year strategy (2024— 2027), underpinned by our 10-year Theory of Change (2024—2034).

This long-term vision helps us stay focused on our goal: that all UK bat species will be in recovery. To achieve this goal, we’ve set five strategic outcomes:

l Ensure that scientific research drives effective bat conservation.

l Influence decision-makers to support the recovery of bat species.

l And — the objective covered in this section — making BCT itself strong and resilient.

Powering progress: the people and systems behind our mission

To protect the future of bats, we also need to future-proof ourselves. Charities like BCT face a constant balancing act: investing in the tools, technology, and people we need — while ensuring every pound is spent wisely.

That’s why we’re upgrading our systems to be more efficient, secure, and resilient for the long term. Smart tech choices today mean more time and resources for conservation tomorrow.

But it’s not just about systems — it’s about people. Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, and we’re committed to giving them the support, training, and tools they need to thrive. We’re also investing in our staff, because a strong, supported team is essential to delivering lasting impact.

Investing in people, systems, and support

From better technology to stronger teams, we’ve made meaningful progress this year to build a more resilient and responsive organisation — ensuring our work for bats is grounded in solid foundations.

Smarter systems for greater impact:

l New National Bat Helpline database launched

Our updated database is now live and in use — making it easier for staff to track, respond to, and analyse calls efficiently and effectively. The new platform guides call handlers with intuitive forms, captures rich data for reporting, and has simplified volunteer training. With over 300,000 people, 209,000 tickets, and 200,000 locations carefully migrated, this project shows how thoughtful digital solutions can help protect our vital UK wildlife through better data and more personal support.

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Securing a sustainable future for bats, BCT, and our community

l New IT support in place

We welcomed new IT contractors, KCS and we’ve already seen improvements to system backups and overall support.

B Enhancing volunteer support and helpline services:

l Optimising bat care call handling

We surveyed members of the Bat Care Network for feedback on how calls are handled. Our findings are helping us to refine our procedures. For example, we’ve now moved to a new mapping system which goes beyond simple radius calculations. Instead of assuming a volunteer can travel '10 miles in any direction' (which might mean a quick 10-minute drive in the Cotswolds but a 45-minute journey in London traffic), the system now uses precise geographical boundaries to connect callers with the nearest available bat carers. This means injured or vulnerable bats receive attention more quickly, potentially saving more of these protected creatures.

l Volunteer power: over 100 trained and retained

More than 100 volunteers were trained and welcomed into the Volunteer Bat

Care Helpline Project and crucially, we’ve retained them. That continuity helps ensure high-quality support for the public and bat carers alike.

❝ I am genuinely excited to be a volunteer. I've particularly appreciated being able to use my role as a reference to get a charity-related job role. Above anything else, it's been great to talk to so many different people about bats, helping them get to safety and donate my time to a fantastic organisation. ❞ A volunteer on the Volunteer Bat Care Helpline.

🌲 A Growing our staff team to grow our reach

l New financial support for projects and teams: We welcomed a new staff member into a new role, Finance and Operations Officer. They will provide support to project teams as well as helping to develop and check budgets for funding applications.

l New Membership Officer: In 2025-26 we will create another new role for BCT, so that we can give our growing membership base the care and attention it deserves.

Fundraising: securing the future for bats

Hope through innovation. Strength through support.

We are not just responding to change — we’re preparing for it. The world around us is shifting fast, and so are we. That’s why we’re diversifying our fundraising: building a broader, more innovative funding base that keeps us agile, sustainable, and always focused on protecting bats and their habitats.

Unlike some conservation charities, we don’t own land or property — our work depends on people. On partnerships, public support, and funders. Every step forward for bats starts with people who share our belief that together, we can create a world where bats and people thrive.

33 |

This year for the rst ; time, NBMP data were . a? assessed over a fi ve-year

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Securing a sustainable future for bats, BCT, and our community

Given the opportunity, bats live long lives. Conserving them takes long-term vision and commitment. We’re investing in exactly that — securing regular donations, building new partnerships, unlocking grant funding, and expanding our community fundraising. We’ve also launched a legacy giving strategy, offering a free will-writing service for anyone who wants to leave a gift that echoes into the future.

2024-25's funding highlights:

🌱 Big Give, big impact

We raised £24,000 for BCT’s Science programme through the Big Give Green Match Fund — and an additional £20,000 for the National Bat Helpline during their Christmas Challenge. These results take more than just luck. They take dedication, teamwork, and the kind of support that lifts campaigns beyond their targets.

🦇 Leaving a legacy

Our new legacy fundraising approach is already opening doors for future conservation. More people than ever are choosing to leave a lasting impact and thanks to our free will-writing service, it’s never been easier to do.

💚 Rona Gordon , is a seven-year-old BCT member who is raising funds for BCT and the Back Up Trust through a 5-day, 100km cycle challenge in the Netherlands. As we went to press, she’d already raised £1,000. Well done, Rona.

🥇 Another athletic fundraiser, Anne Youngman — our Scottish Officer for 15 years — will do a 105 km ultra-marathon as a fundraiser for BCT. Participants have 19.5 hours to reach the Northumbrian Coast, starting at the Scottish Borders. They will climb 8,000 feet, go through peat bogs, and do a stretch of a Roman road.

Seven-year-old Rona Gordon, our youngest ever fundraiser.

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A louder voice for bats

BCT is building its first ever communications strategy

For the first time, BCT is creating a dedicated communications strategy — to help us speak up for bats more clearly, more widely, and more powerfully.

Why does this matter? Because how we talk about bats shapes how people value and protect them. With so many environmental messages competing for attention, we need to make every word count. A communications strategy will help us do just that, making sure everything we say supports BCT’s goals, reaches the right audiences, and inspires meaningful action.

Communication that drives conservation

From frontline conservation to policy influence, effective communication is essential. This strategy will help us raise awareness, change perceptions, build stronger partnerships, and ultimately drive real-world impact for bats, other wildlife, and people too.

Follow and share our journey

Find BCT online:

oT, ‘TTL 🌐 |ahp batconservationtrust.org

📱 @BatConservation (BlueSky, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

YouTube: Bat Conservation Trust

We’re building something lasting — and we need your help to grow it

If you believe in protecting wildlife, if you believe in hope through innovation, then please join us. Whether it’s a donation today, a legacy for tomorrow, or a new connection we can build together — your support powers everything we do.

Let’s make the future brighter for bats. Together.

Join BCT for just £3.25/month: www.bats.org.uk/membership/scheme

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CONCLUSION

Securing the future for bats — together

As we have seen throughout this report, bat conservation is not just about protecting a group of species — it is about safeguarding the health of our shared environment.

Bats play a vital role in ecosystems across the UK, from controlling insect populations to acting as indicators of wider biodiversity. Yet they face increasing pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and shifting policy landscapes.

Over the past year, we have made significant strides in addressing these challenges. From working with farmers to launching our first manifesto, our work is making a real difference. But there is still much to do.

Your role in securing lasting impact

None of this progress would be possible without the generosity and commitment of our funders, members, volunteers and supporters. Your contributions enable us to:

l Restore and safeguard roosting and foraging sites to ensure healthy bat populations.

l Engage communities — particularly in hard-to-reach areas — in conservation action that benefits both bats and people.

THANK YOU

We are immensely grateful to all those who make our work possible — our funders, partners, volunteers, members, and the passionate individuals who champion bat conservation in their communities. Your support and dedication are the foundation of everything we do.

Together, we can build a future where bats and people thrive side by side. Thank you for being part of this journey.

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Administrative information

Status

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 7 May 1992 and registered as a charity on 29 June 1992.

Governing document

The company was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its articles of association.

Company number 2712823
Charity number 1012361
England and Wales
Charity number SC040116
Scotland

Registered office and operational address

Studio 15 Cloisters House, Cloisters Business Centre, 8 Battersea Park Rd, London SW8 4BG

Honorary roles

Hon Education Officer: Shirley Thompson MBE Hon Science & Conservation Advisor: Professor Paul Racey

Hon Science Advisors: Professor Gareth Jones, Professor Kate Jones Hon Legal Advisor: Michael Ford QC

Senior Management Team

Chief Executive: Kit Stoner Director of Conservation: Lisa Worledge Director of Communications & Fundraising: Dr. Joe Nunez-Mino

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank plc Kings Valley, Yew Street Stockport SK4 2JU

Health and Safety

JEM Safety Management Ltd 190 Moor Lane, Upminster Essex RM14 1HG

Trustees

Officers: Jean Matthews (Chair) Steven Roe (Vice Chair) Helen Slinger (Treasurer) Annika Binet (Hon Secretary) Dr. Cerys Bradley Stuart Brittenden Matt Browne — Trustee from 14 September 2024 AGM Colette Marshall Dr. Orly Razgour Matthew Terry Dr Ruth Waters Stepped down as trustees at AGM on 14 September 2024: Dr. Abigail Entwistle Lord John Randall

Insurance brokers

First Insurance Solutions Ltd First Insurance Solutions House Centre 3000, St. Leonards Road Maidstone, Kent ME16 0LS

Financial advisors

Coloma Wealth Management LLP 3rd Floor, Warwick House 65/66 Queen Street London EC4R 1EB

Employment advisors

WorkNest (previously known as Ellis Whittam) Woodhouse, Church Lane Aldford, Chester CH3 6JD

Solicitors

President

Chris Packham CBE

Aaron & Partners LLP Grosvenor Court, Foregate Street Chester CH1 1HG

Vice Presidents

Patron

Professor Paul Racey Dr. Robert Stebbings

Auditor

Sayer Vincent LLP 110 Golden Lane London EC1Y 0TG

David Gower OBE

Ambassadors

Kate Rusby Aruhan Galieva

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Introduction

The Trustees present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Administrative information set out on page 38 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice — Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Structure, Governance & Management

History of the Bat Conservation Trust

The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) was formed in 1991, by far-seeing individuals who recognised that the combination of challenges to the conservation of bats was unique. BCT is proud to be the leading non-governmental organisation devoted solely to the conservation of bats and their habitats. In a very short time, BCT has grown to become an organisation with over 5,400 members, with offices in England and Scotland and a team of around 60 staff including scientists, specialists in training, outreach and biodiversity, volunteer engagement, fundraising, media and membership. BCT’s core activities include; biodiversity delivery (taking effective practical conservation actions and influencing policy to secure bat populations); the National Bat Monitoring Programme; delivering advice about bats through the National Bat Helpline and through long-term partnerships with the statutory nature conservation organisations (SNCOs) and with statutory investigators and prosecutors; training professionals and volunteers; and engaging and educating wider audiences.

An overview of who we are BCT has championed bats for over 30 years and the places they need to survive.

Our vital stats:

We spend just 8.6p on fundraising per £1 raised (in 2023/24: 10p per £1) Around 217,000 online supporters across different platforms (same as 2023/24) Over 3,000 volunteers (same as 2023/24)

Our purpose:

Vision: A world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Mission: We work collaboratively and with a diversity of people to achieve resilient populations of bats and improve their habitats in an ever-changing world.

Values:

Evidence based: We seek out and commission leading science and research to build the best possible evidence base to focus our work and shape the advice we give.

Collaborative: We actively seek out the best partners, conversations and opportunities to make our expertise and resources work hard to deliver the best outcomes for bats.

Inclusive: We are working to remove barriers to participation in bat conservation, as we believe including and welcoming a wide range of people will bring new ideas and benefit both people and bats.

We work to:

DISCOVER: scientific evidence in place to support bat conservation

INFLUENCE: decision makers make right choices for bats

ACT: effective management of landscapes and built environment

CONNECT: inspire an appreciation of bats and nature

STRENGTHEN: invest in a sustainable future for Bat Conservation Trust, its staff and volunteers

Fundraising Statement

At BCT, we respect the wishes of our members, supporters and donors who ask for no further contact from us, and we adhere to Data Protection law. We employ reputable companies to assist with distributing membership material. We do not employ fundraising or marketing agencies to target people by telephone, or in the street, to persuade them to set up regular donations to BCT. BCT is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and agrees to abide by its rules and regulations. Those who register with the regulator agree to ensure their fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful. There were no complaints related to fundraising during the period covered by this report.

In order to achieve our objective of financial stability, everyone at BCT contributes towards our fundraising efforts along with a small, dedicated fundraising team. We also support others who choose to make donations or take part in fundraising activities in whatever way they can.

39 |

Safeguarding

BCT is committed to upholding the principle that children and vulnerable adults are entitled to protection from physical, sexual and emotional harm and have the right to a safe, positive and enjoyable environment when involved with BCT. We are committed to maintaining a safeguarding policy, which can be viewed here:

https://www.bats.org.uk/the-trust/policies/ safeguarding and providing regular staff training.

The Trustees

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are shown on page 38. All Trustees also act as directors for the purposes of company law.

The Trustees are elected at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and serve for three years. Trustees are eligible for reselection at the end of their first and second term of three years, but following election for a third term, are not be eligible for reselection until one year has elapsed from them ceasing to be a member of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees may co-opt any Member eligible for election to fill a vacancy until the next AGM.

The Trustees regularly audit their collective skills, competencies and experience against those required to fulfil their responsibilities and proactively recruit new Trustees to fill gaps. All proposed Trustees are put to the BCT membership prior to any appointment. On appointment, training is given according to the needs of the Trustee and new Trustees have an induction with key members of staff.

The Trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights and any benefits received by the Trustees are incidental. As members of the charity they undertake to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The total number of such undertakings at 31 March 2025 was 11 (2024: 12).

The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

Some of the major risk areas are:

Remuneration Policy

Remuneration of all staff is considered on an annual basis by the Board of Trustees. The Senior Management Team make recommendations to the Trustees for a) the cost of living based on inflation rates, the London Living Wage and a salary survey we take part in with other environmental NGOs, and b) for any staff increments based on job bands, performance and any extra responsibilities taken on. The Trustees make the final decision in the context of BCT’s budget. The salary of the Chief Executive is set by the Chair in consultation with the Trustees.

Statement of Responsibilities of the Trustees The Trustees (who are also directors of The Bat Conservation Trust) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Risk Management

The Trustees and Senior Management Team have reviewed the major risks which the charity faces. They review these risks at least annually. The Trustees implement improvements to systems of internal control in order to mitigate other operational and business risks as and when identified.

Company law required the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.

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In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditor

In so far as each of the Trustees is aware:

Treasurer’s report

BCT has further grown its vital work, despite the continued economic uncertainty. Staff numbers have risen to support the increased project work this year with an associated increase in staff costs alongside significant changes to national insurance and meeting our commitment to a living wage.

For the year ended 31 March 2025, income was £2,984,804 (2024: £2,665,328) and expenditure was £3,068,552 (2024: £2,281,864), leading to net deficit for the year of £83,748 (2024: surplus £383,464).

Taking into account losses on investments of £12,407 (2024: gains of £147,858), the net movement in funds for the year was a decrease of £96,155 (2024: an increase of £531,322).

While the accounts show a small in-year deficit, this is in line with the trustees’ expectations and represents a better position than budgeted, reflecting careful cost control in a challenging environment. The difference from the prior year’s surplus reflects the investment of

some of our reserves in strategic projects. We are investing in fundraising capacity to increase unrestricted funds and this year spent just 8.6p on fundraising per £1 raised.

Underperforming investments led to a review of our investment policy, portfolio and fund managers, which concluded during the financial year. This has culminated in the transfer of our funds to a multiasset sustainable stewardship fund under a newly selected asset manager post year end.

Investment policy

Investments total £2,427,145 (2024: £2,288,298) at 31 March 2025. The aim of these funds is to provide stability to reserves and a steady annual income stream to support our work, helping to reduce the risks associated with our reliance on project funding.

Our revised investment policy features key sustainability criteria to promote biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Investments are expected to meet our sustainability criteria with returns reported on via a benchmark. Target returns for our investments are CPI +3% over the long term.

Reserves policy

We adopt a risk-based approach for our reserves policy in order to define the amount we need to enable us to sustain our operations and protect us from unforeseen events. We have also been investing some of our reserves in strategic projects to secure BCT’s long-term financial viability.

At the end of the 2024/25 financial year our total reserves stand at £3,396,462 (2024: £3,492,617). Of this, £2,228,800 (2024: £2,252,701) are endowment funds and £308,540 (2024: £242,602) are restricted funds for projects. This leaves unrestricted funds of £859,122 (2024: £997,314) of which £450,772 (2024: £523,447) have been designated to key programmes of work in the next financial year (see note 18 in financial statements for details). This leaves us with £408,350 (2024: £473,867) as unrestricted, unallocated funds. Of this, £233,751 (2024: £312,456) represents free reserves after deducting the net book value of fixed assets.

The trustees' policy is to work towards holding six months operating costs, approximately £885,000, in unrestricted reserves. We will continue to review our reserves policy and our progress towards achieving it each year. On behalf of BCT, I would like to thank all our members, donors and partners for their fantastic support and our volunteers and staff for their endless hard work on behalf of bat conservation.

Helen Slinger, Treasurer

41 |

Thank you

Partner bat groups

Avon Bat Group Ayrshire and Arran Bat Group Bedfordshire Bat Group Berkshire & South Bucks Bat Group Birmingham & Black Country Bat Group Borders Bat Group Cairngorms Bat Group Cambridgeshire Bat Group Cardiff Bat Group Central Scotland Bat Group Cheshire Bat Group Cleveland Bat Group Clwyd Bat Group Clyde Bat Group Cornwall Bat Group Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group Devon Bat Group Dorset Bat Group Dumfries & Galloway Bat Group Durham Bat Group East Lancashire Bat Group East Yorkshire Bat Group Essex Bat Group Fife & Kinross Bat Group Glamorgan Bat Group Gloucestershire Bat Group Guernsey Bat Group Gwynedd Bat Group Hampshire Bat Group Herefordshire Bat Research Group Herts & Middlesex Bat Group Inverness Bat Group Isle Of Wight Bat Group Isles Of Scilly Bat Group Jersey Bat Group Kent Bat Group Leicestershire & Rutland Bat Group Lincolnshire Bat Group Loch Lomond Bat Group London Bat Group Lothians Bat Group Manx Bat Group Merseyside & West Lancs Bat Group Montgomeryshire Bat Group Nene Valley Bats Norfolk & Norwich Bat Group North Bucks Bat Group North Ceredigion Bat Group North East Scotland Bat Group North Lancashire Bat Group North Wales Mammal Group Northern Ireland Bat Group Northumberland Bat Group Nottinghamshire Bat Group

Oxfordshire Bat Group Pembrokeshire Bat Group Shropshire Bat Group Skye and Lochalsh Bat Group Somerset Bat Group South Cumbria Bat Group South Lancashire Bat Group South Yorkshire Bat Group Staffordshire Bat Group Surrey Bat Group Sussex Bat Group Tayside Bat Group Vale Of Glamorgan & Bridgend Bat Group Valleys Bat Group Warwickshire Bat Group West Yorkshire Bat Group Worcestershire Bat Group Herefordshire Mammal Group

Charitable trusts, statutory bodies and other organisations

Alice Noakes Memorial Charitable Trust Animal and Plant Health Agency Animal Friends ARC Barry Green Memorial Fund Benefact Group Cecil Pilkington Charitable Trust Chapman Charitable Trust Church of England David Webster Charitable Trust Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Forest Research Garfield Weston Foundation Goldcrest CT CMA-Client Fund Trust Greater London Authority Groundwork UK Innovate UK John Ellerman Foundation Joint Nature Conservation Council National Heritage NNF (Nature Networks Fund) National Lottery Heritage Fund Natural England Natural Resources Wales NatureScot The Royal Parks Limited Shirley and James Dutton Charitable Trust UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Vistry Group William Dean Countryside and Education Trust William Haddon Charitable Trust Xeno-canto

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Notes to the nancial statements

Sponsorships (of £100 or more in year to 31 March 2025)

Amey Cura Terrae Ecolybrium Gateshead Council NHBS I&G Ecological Consultancy Ltd Pettersson Southampton Council Thermal Vision Ecology WildCare Wildlife Acoustics

Donations from bat groups (of £100 or more in the year to 31 March 2025)

Berkshire & S Bucks Bat Group Cornwall Bat Group East Yorkshire Bat Group Hampshire Bat Group Kent Bat Group North Ceredigion Bat Group Oxfordshire Bat Group Surrey Bat Group Warwickshire Bat Group West Yorkshire Bat Group Wiltshire Bat Group

Corporate members (as of 31 March 2025)

Arbtech Consulting Ltd ASW Ecology Ltd BatAbility Courses & Tuition BatBox Ltd. CJ Wildlife Cleankill Environmental Services Co-ecology D J H Ravcon Ltd Echoes Ecology Ltd. Ecological Survey And Assessment Limited English Heritage Ground Control Ltd. Historic England Holidaycottages.Co.Uk Homegrown Timber (Rail Ltd.) I&G Ecological Consultancy Ltd Integrated Utility Services Ltd. MelBek Technology Ltd NHBS Nurture Holdings Ltd. Stowe Family Law LLP Tamworth Property Services The Nestbox Company Ltd. Titley Scientific Treework Ltd United Environmental Services Ltd Wilby Tree Surgeons Wild Surveys Ltd. WildCare Wildlife Acoustics Wold Ecology Ltd. Zoological Society of Hertfordshire

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Auditor

Sayer Vincent LLP were reappointed to act as the charitable company's auditor during the year.

The report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the Trustees on: 18 August 2025

and signed on their behalf by

Jean Matthews Chair

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on The Bat Conservation Trust's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Bat Conservation Trust (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ annual report.

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We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities set out in the trustees’ annual report, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with regulations made under those Acts.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the

economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are set out below.

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

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Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Noelia Serrano (Senior statutory auditor)

Date: 18 August 2025

for and on behalf of Sayer Vincent LLP, Statutory Auditor 110 Golden Lane London EC1Y 0TG

Sayer Vincent LLP is eligible to act as auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

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The Bat Conservation Trust

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Income
Donations and legacies 2 472,156 46,324 - 518,480 856,737
Investment income 68,103 - - 68,103 59,185
Income from charitable activities
Conferences 88,437 - - 88,437 69,983
Training courses and meetings 105,590 - - 105,590 84,537
Projects and research 3 991,160 1,141,862 - 2,133,022 1,539,734
Other activities 71,172 - - 71,172 55,152
Total income 1,796,618 1,188,186 - 2,984,804 2,665,328
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds
Membership support 4 102,788 - - 102,788 73,017
Costs of raising funds 4 141,784 - 11,110 152,894 176,866
Expenditure on charitable activities
Conferences 4 54,697 - - 54,697 75,001
Training courses and meetings 4 136,147 - - 136,147 119,924
Project and research costs 5 1,529,803 1,092,223 - 2,622,026 1,837,056
Total expenditure 4 1,965,219 1,092,223 11,110 3,068,552 2,281,864
Net (expenditure) / income before
net (losses) / gains on investments (168,601) 95,963 (11,110) (83,748) 383,464
Net (losses) / gains on investments 12 384 - (12,791) (12,407) 147,858
Net (expenditure) / income for the year (168,217) 95,963 (23,901) (96,155) 531,322
Transfers between funds 18 30,025 (30,025) - - -
Net movement in funds (138,192) 65,938 (23,901) (96,155) 531,322
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 997,314 242,602 2,252,701 3,492,617 2,961,295
Total funds carried forward 18 859,122 308,540 2,228,800 3,396,462 3,492,617

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 18 to the financial statements. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities are given in note 20.

For Companies Act purposes, excluding Endowed funds, income for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £2,984,804 (2024: £2,665,328) and expenditure £3,057,442 (2024: £2,270,630) and gains on investments of £384 (2024: £616). Net expenditure was £72,254 (2024: net income £395,314).

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The Bat Conservation Trust (Company number 1012361) Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2025

2025
Note
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Intangible assets
11
Investments
12
Non-current assets
Current assets
Debtors
13638,039
Short term deposit
91,369
Cash at bank and in hand
345,741
1,075,149
Creditors: amounts due within one year14(280,431)
Net current assets
Net assets16
Reserves
Endowment funds
18
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds
General funds
18 408,350
Designated funds
18 450,772
Total funds
18		 £
902
173,697
2,427,145
2,601,744
794,718
3,396,462
2,228,800
308,540
859,122
3,396,462		 2024
£
1,192,317
302
147,568
1,340,187
(297,279)
473,867
523,447		 £
1,826
159,585
2,288,298
2,449,709
1,042,908
3,492,617
2,252,701
242,602
997,314
3,492,617

Approved by the trustees on: 18 August 2025

Signed on their behalf by:

Jean Matthews (Chair)

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The Bat Conservation Trust

Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2025
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (expenditure) / income for the year
(96,155)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation charges
69,979
Dividends and interest
(68,103)
Losses / (gains) on investments
12,407
Decrease / (increase) in debtors
554,278
(Decrease) / increase in creditors
(16,848)
Investment charges taken directly from cash
held as part of the investment portfolio
10,776
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Bank interest received
1,073
Cash withdrawals from investments
25,000
Cash additions to investments
(120,000)
Purchase of intangible assets
(83,167)
Net cash (used in) / provided by investing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term deposit
£
466,334
(177,094)
289,240
147,870
437,110
At 1 April
2024
£
147,568
302		 2024
£
531,322
39,572
(59,185)
(147,858)
(896,482)
151,539
11,945
539
276,000
-
(117,965)

Cash flows
£
198,173
91,067		 £
(369,147)
158,574
(210,573)
358,443
147,870
At 31 March
2025
£
345,741
91,369
437,110
147,870 289,240

Analysis of change in net debt

The charity had no net debt during the year.

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The Bat Conservation Trust

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

Status

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 7 May 1992 and registered as a charity on 29 June 1992.

The registered office is Studio 15, Cloisters House, Cloisters Business Centre, 8 Battersea Park Road, London, England, SW8 4BG.

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ("FRS102"), the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

The functional currency of the financial statements is Sterling.

b) Going concern

The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of one year from the date of approval of these accounts.

The trustees of the charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due. With regard to the next accounting period, the year ending 31 March 2026, the most significant areas that affect the carrying value of the assets held by the charity are the delivery of grant funded activities and securing future funding for these activities (see the risk management section of the trustees’ report for more information).

c) Income

Income from generated funds received by way of donations and member subscriptions are included in full in the statement of financial activities when probable.

Gifts in kind comprise meeting rooms and catering provided free of charge for trustee and other meetings and gifted IT services where material. Gifts in kind are included in income and expenditure at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity, which is the price that would have had to be paid if hiring a room and paying for catering or contracting for IT services at a commercial rate on the open market. Volunteer time is not included in the financial statements.

Legacy income is accounted for on a receivable basis. A legacy is considered receivable when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.

Investment income represents bank interest and dividend income, included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable.

Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier.

Where unconditional entitlement to grants receivable is dependent upon fulfilment of conditions within the charity's control, the incoming resources are recognised when there is sufficient evidence that conditions will be met. Where there is uncertainty as to whether the charity can meet such conditions, the incoming resource is deferred.

Grants for the purchase of fixed assets are credited to restricted income when probable.

Depreciation of fixed assets purchased with such grants is charged against the restricted fund. Where a fixed asset is donated to the charity for its own use, it is treated in a similar way to a restricted grant.

Fees for training courses and the annual conference are recognised in the financial statements during the year in which the conference or training course to which they relate occurred. Research contracts are recognised in the financial statements as entitlement is earned through completion of the contract.

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Notes to the nancial statements

d) Fund analysis

The expendable endowment funds are funds whereby the capital sum is invested, and income earned is used to contribute to core costs. The capital element may also be spent should sufficient need arise.

The permanent endowment funds are funds whereby the capital sum is invested, and income earned is used to contribute to core costs. The capital element is to be retained to generate future income for the work of BCT.

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.

Unrestricted funds are donations and other income receivable or generated for the objects of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.

Transfers are made to and from designated funds at the discretion of the trustees. Transfers are made between restricted funds or from restricted funds to general funds only if agreement has been obtained from the donor.

f) Tangible and intangible assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Computer equipment - 33% per annum on a straight-line basis. Field equipment - 25% per annum on a straightline basis.

Furniture and fittings - 20% per annum on a straight-line basis.

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £5,000 (2024: £1,000). Depreciation costs are allocated to activities on the basis of the use of the related assets in those activities. Assets are reviewed for impairment if circumstances indicate their carrying value may exceed their net realisable value and value in use.

Intangible assets are recognised at cost and amortised over the assets' expected useful life. The amortisation rate in use is as follows: Database - 20% per annum on a straight-line basis.

Amortisation costs are allocated to activities on the basis of the use of the related assets in those activities.

g) Pensions

e) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised in the period in which it is incurred. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

Expenditure is allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration of each activity, comprising the salary and overhead costs of the central function, is apportioned on the following basis which is an estimate, based on staff time, of the amount attributable to each activity: Raising funds, Conferences, Biodiversity training courses and Project costs.

The costs of generating funds relate to the costs incurred by the charitable company in raising funds for the charitable work. Fundraising costs associated with raising funds for a specific charitable activity are allocated to that activity.

Rentals payable under operating leases, where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership remain with the lessor, are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they fall due.

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable under the scheme by the charity to the fund. The charity has no liability under the scheme other than for the payment of those contributions.

h) Foreign exchange rates

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the end of the financial year. All exchange differences are written off to the Statement of Financial Activities.

i) Investments

Investments are stated at mid-market value at the balance sheet date. The gain or loss for the period is taken to the Statement of Financial Activities. All movements in value arising from investment changes or revaluations are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities.

j) Financial instruments

BCT has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to

51 |

all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

2. Donations and legacies

2025 Current Year Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Membership subscriptions 194,423 - 194,423 Members' & other donations 114,251 46,324 160,575 Legacies 163,482 - 163,482 472,156 46,324 518,480 2024 Prior Year Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Membership subscriptions 173,176 - 173,176 Members' & other donations 137,142 22,232 159,374 Legacies 524,187 - 524,187 834,505 22,232 856,737

3. Projects and research income

2025 Current Year Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Government grants & contracts 946,697 303,079 1,249,776 Grants & contracts from other charitable bodies 44,463 838,783 883,246 991,160 1,141,862 2,133,022

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Notes to the nancial statements

Projects and research income: grants, contracts and donations

Project income was received in the year from the following organisations and donors:

2025 Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Alice Noakes Memorial Charitable Trust - 2,000 2,000 Animal and Plant Health Agency 13,000 - 13,000 Animal Friends - 10,000 10,000 ARC 1,200 - 1,200 Cecil Pilkington Charitable Trust 4,000 - 4,000 Chapman Trust - 2,000 2,000 Church of England - 18,584 18,584 David Webster Charitable Trust - 2,000 2,000 Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust - 46,000 46,000 Forest Research 142,597 - 142,597 Garfield Weston - 40,000 40,000 Goldcrest CT CMA-Client Funds Trust 2,000 - 2,000 Greater London Authority - 99,590 99,590 Groundwork UK - 3,594 3,594 Innovate UK - 7,000 7,000 John Ellerman Foundation - 30,000 30,000 Joint Nature Conservation Council 333,006 - 333,006 National Heritage NNF (Nature Networks Fund) - 122,550 122,550 National Lottery Heritage Fund - 680,013 680,013 Natural England 453,477 49,064 502,541 Natural Resources Wales 4,617 - 4,617 NatureScot - 23,975 23,975 The Royal Parks Limited 3,314 - 3,314 UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology 5,000 - 5,000 Vistry Group 17,500 - 17,500 Xeno-canto 6,899 - 6,899 Other grants and contracts 4,550 5,492 10,042 991,160 1,141,862 2,133,022

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3. Projects and research income (continued)

2024 Prior Year Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Government grants & contracts 665,183 662,832 1,328,015 Grants from other charitable bodies 51,869 159,850 211,719 717,052 822,682 1,539,734

Projects and research income - grants, contracts and donations Project income was received in the year from the following organisations and donors:

2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Animal and Plant Health Agency 13,000 - 13,000 Animal Friends 3,500 2,000 5,500 AWS Imagine - 33,104 33,104 Church of England 24,592 - 24,592 David Webster Charitable Trust - 2,000 2,000 Forestry England - 14,379 14,379 Forest Research - 136,323 136,323 Goldcrest 2,000 - 2,000 Gar fi eld Weston - 40,000 40,000 Groundwork - 17,745 17,745 HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust - 20,000 20,000 John Ellerman Foundation - 45,000 45,000 Joint Nature Conservation Council 276,147 - 276,147 Ministry of Justice - 40,132 40,132 National Lottery Heritage Fund - 300,485 300,485 Natural England 376,329 147,514 523,843 NatureScot - 24,000 24,000 Vistry Group 12,500 - 12,500 Other grants and contracts 8,984 - 8,984 717,052 822,682 1,539,734

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Notes to the nancial statements

4. Total expenditure

Costs of Membership Training courses Projects and Governance Other 2025 raising funds support Conferences and meetings research (note 6) support costs Total (note 5) (note 6) Current Year £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Salaries & temporary staff (note 8) 102,270 37,368 10,953 45,014 1,410,723 10,678 240,489 1,857,495 Travel & training 907 94 692 1,986 53,503 1,239 33,811 92,232 Advice & other project costs 8,277 31,003 - 28,226 542,843 - 27,718 638,067 Publications & events 905 7,775 34,337 44,256 18,261 - 773 106,307 Premises - - - - 307 - 60,304 60,611 Other costs 13,302 15,478 4,730 1,554 67,963 12,460 198,353 313,840 125,661 91,718 50,712 121,036 2,093,600 24,377 561,448 3,068,552 Support costs allocated to activities 26,100 10,609 3,820 14,482 506,437 - (561,448) - Governance costs allocated to activities 1,133 461 165 629 21,989 (24,377) - - Total 152,894 102,788 54,697 136,147 2,622,026 - - 3,068,552 Costs of Membership Conferences Biodiversity Projects and Governance Other 2024 raising funds support training courses research (note 6) support costs Total (note 5) (note 6) Prior Year £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Salaries & temporary staff (note 8) 99,098 35,476 8,429 42,795 1,127,710 6,422 203,238 1,523,168 Travel & training 9,425 272 2,849 1,012 38,715 1,818 27,230 81,321 Advice & other project costs 17,982 8,896 - 34,901 182,180 - 17,067 261,026 Publications & events 1,037 7,809 51,586 23,366 21,913 - 360 106,071 Premises - - - - 1,940 - 47,119 49,059 Other costs 13,195 6,993 7,536 1,797 52,215 12,200 167,283 261,219 140,737 59,446 70,400 103,871 1,424,673 20,440 462,297 2,281,864 Support costs allocated to activities 34,599 12,996 4,406 15,373 394,923 - (462,297) - Governance costs allocated to activities 1,530 575 195 680 17,460 (20,440) - - Total 176,866 73,017 75,001 119,924 1,837,056 - - 2,281,864

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5. Projects and research costs

2025 Current Year Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Bat Groups’ Support & Public Education 24,360 125,461 149,821 Biodiversity Projects 792,450 820,290 1,612,740 National Bat Monitoring Programme 249,866 120,462 370,328 Research projects 463,127 26,010 489,137 1,529,803 1,092,223 2,622,026 2024 Prior Year Unrestricted Restricted Total £ £ £ Bat Groups’ Support & Public Education 78,775 78,099 156,874 Biodiversity Projects 642,833 406,842 1,049,675 National Bat Monitoring Programme 233,531 129,602 363,133 Research projects — Bat conservation 58,025 209,349 267,374 1,013,164 823,892 1,837,056

6. Governance and other support costs

2025 2024 £ £ Analysis of governance costs: Governance staff costs 10,678 6,422 Audit Fee 12,460 12,200 Trustee expenses and meeting costs 1,239 1,818 24,377 20,440 Analysis of other support costs: Salaries 240,489 203,238 Non-salary staff costs 45,086 39,018 Conference costs 773 360 Membership costs 10,678 1,028 Property 60,304 47,119 IT costs 18,359 20,722 Office running costs 23,530 30,771 Insurance 24,636 22,213 Legal fees 34 350 Depreciation and amortisation 69,979 39,572 Outsourced finance & payroll 45,039 40,602 Irrecoverable VAT 16,219 11,688 Bank charges 6,322 5,616 561,448 462,297

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Notes to the nancial statements

7. Net (expenditure) / income for the year

2025 2024 £ £ This is stated after charging: Depreciation and amortisation 69,979 39,572 Operating lease costs 38,712 27,059 Trustees' expenses (2025:4 trustees (2024:4 trustees) 1,239 1,817 Trustee indemnity insurance 1,850 1,724 Auditors' remuneration — audit services 12,460 12,200

Expenses reimbursed to trustees relate to travel and subsistence costs relating to both attendance at trustees' meetings and other operational work carried out in furtherance of the Trust's objects. No trustees were reimbursed for their services as trustees during the year (2024: no trustees reimbursed).

8. Staff numbers and costs

The aggregate payroll cost of these persons was as follows:

2025 2024 £ £ Wages and salaries 1,652,069 1,357,984 Social security costs 143,441 113,312 Employer's pension contributions 61,985 48,473 - Redundancy payments 3,399 1,857,495 1,523,168

No employees earned in excess of £60,000 in this year or the prior year.

The key management personnel of the Charity comprise the trustees and the Senior Management Team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the Charity were £184,031. (2024: £146,006).

The average number of employees (head count based on number of staff employed and excluding trustees who are all non-executive) during the year were as follows:

Number of employees 2025 2024 No. No. Support and governance 4 3 Direct charitable activities 56 46 60 49

9. Taxation

The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

57 |

10.Fixed assets Furniture and Computers Field Total fittings equipment Cost £ £ £ £ At the start of the year 3,174 11,835 16,428 31,437 At the end of the year 3,174 11,835 16,428 31,437 Depreciation At the start of the year 2,099 11,783 15,729 29,611 Charge for the year 415 52 457 924 At the end of the year 2,514 11,835 16,186 30,535 Net book value at the end of the year 660 - 242 902 Net book value at the start of the year 1,075 52 699 1,826 Prior Year Furniture and Computers Field Total fittings equipment Cost £ £ £ £ At the start of the year 3,174 11,835 16,428 31,437 At the end of the year 3,174 11,835 16,428 31,437 Depreciation At the start of the year 1,682 10,512 15,272 27,466 Charge for the year 417 1,271 457 2,145 At the end of the year 2,099 11,783 15,729 29,611 Net book value at the end of the year 1,075 52 699 1,826 Net book value at the start of the year 1,492 1,323 1,156 3,971 11. Intangible assets CRM App Total database development Cost £ £ £ At the start of the year 207,302 76,906 284,208 Additions during the year 64,767 18,400 83,167 At the end of the year 272,069 95,306 367,375 Amortisation At the start of the year 99,452 25,171 124,623 Charge for the year 50,928 18,127 69,055 At the end of the year 150,380 43,298 193,678 Net book value at the end of the year 121,689 52,008 173,697 Net book value at the start of the year 107,850 51,735 159,585 Prior Year CRM App Total database development Cost £ £ £ At the start of the year 121,122 45,121 166,243 Additions during the year 86,180 31,785 117,965 Cost at the end of the year 207,302 76,906 284,208 Amortisation At the start of the year 72,673 14,523 87,196 Charge for the year 26,779 10,648 37,427 At the end of the year 99,452 25,171 124,623 Net book value at the end of the year 107,850 51,735 159,585 Net book value at the start of the year 48,449 30,598 79,047

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Notes to the nancial statements

12. Investments

Listed Cash in Total investments portfolio £ £ £ At the start of the year 2,233,130 55,168 2,288,298 Additions at cost 344,626 (224,626) 120,000 Less disposals at carrying value (2,565,349) 2,540,349 (25,000) Dividend income - 67,030 67,030 Portfolio costs - (10,776) (10,776) Net loss on revaluation (12,407) - (12,407) At the end of the year - 2,427,145 2,427,145 Prior year Listed Cash in Total investments portfolio £ £ £ At the start of the year 2,307,671 62,068 2,369,739 Additions at cost 679,043 (679,043) - Less disposals at carrying value (901,442) 625,442 (276,000) Dividend income - 58,646 58,646 Portfolio costs - (11,945) (11,945) Net loss on revaluation 147,858 - 147,858 At the end of the year 2,233,130 55,168 2,288,298 Listed Investments comprise: 2025 2024 £ £ UK Corporate Bonds - 882,628 UK Equity Growth - 239,879 UK Equity Income - 550,439 International Equity - 338,754 Emerging Markets Equity - 221,430 - 2,233,130

The investments listed on a recognised stock exchange comprise the amounts held at fair value through profit or loss.

13. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year

2025 2024 £ £ Trade debtors 271,945 366,150 Other debtors 17,034 18,570 Accrued income 329,890 760,487 Prepayments 19,170 47,110 638,039 1,192,317

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14.Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2025 2024 £ £ Trade creditors 122,614 59,402 Other taxes and social security 59,746 89,308 Accruals 47,184 85,327 Deferred income 13,641 27,206 Other creditors 37,246 36,036 280,431 297,279 Deferred income comprises course and event income paid in advance. 2025 2024 £ £ Balance at the beginning of the year 27,206 10,000 Amount released to income in the year (27,206) (10,000) Amount deferred in the year 13,641 27,206 13,641 27,206

15.Operating lease commitments

The charity had commitments at the year end under operating leases as set out below:

2025 2024 Land & buildings £ £ - Not later than one year 8,067 24,200 - Later than one year and not later than five years - 8,067 Other - Not later than one year 1,380 1,162 - Later than one year and not later than five years 2,530 -

16.Analysis of net assets between funds

Current Year Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2025 Total funds funds funds funds £ £ £ £ Tangible fixed assets 902 - - 902 Intangible fixed assets 173,697 - - 173,697 Investments 198,345 - 2,228,800 2,427,145 Net current assets 486,178 308,540 - 794,718 Net assets at the end of the year 859,122 308,540 2,228,800 3,396,462 Prior Year Unrestricted Restricted Endowment 2024 Total funds funds funds funds £ £ £ £ Tangible fixed assets 1,826 - - 1,826 Intangible fixed assets 159,585 - - 159,585 Investments 35,597 - 2,252,701 2,288,298 Net current assets 800,306 242,602 - 1,042,908 N et assets at the end of the year 997,314 242,602 2,252,701 3,492,617

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Notes to the nancial statements

17. Contingent assets

At the end of the year, we have been notified that we are entitled to funds from a total of one (2024: one) residual legacies. However, as at 31 March 2025, we had not been notified as to the value of our entitlement or when this would be received. As such we are not able to recognise these funds in the financial statements for the year.

18. Movements in funds

Current Year At 1 April Income Expenditure (Losses) / Transfers At 31 2024 Gains on between March investments funds 2025 £ £ £ £ £ £ Vincent Weir endowment funds: Expendable endowment fund 1,936,627 - (9,544) (10,996) - 1,916,087 Permanent endowment fund 316,074 - (1,566) (1,795) - 312,713 Total endowment funds 2,252,701 - (11,110) (12,791) - 2,228,800 Restricted funds: Alice Noakes Memorial Charitable Trust — Bat Care - 2,000 - - - 2,000 Animal Friends — CPL - 6,843 (6,843) - - - Animal Friends — Natur am Byth - 657 (657) - - - Animal Friends — Species on the Edge - 2,500 - - - 2,500 AWS Imagine — SCS development 30,779 - (3,044) - (16,394) 11,341 Bad Wolf — Woodland Hope project 10,000 - (10,000) - - - Bat Group appeals — Wildlife Crime - 3,326 (3,326) - - - Bat Ringing Project 14,418 - (13,418) - - 1,000 Chapman Charitable Trust - 2,000 - - - 2,000 Church of England — Bats in Churches Advisor - 18,584 (14) - (18,570) - David Webster Charitable Trust 2,000 2,000 (2,000) - - 2,000 Ernest Kleinwort — Nightwatch 2,092 - - - 1,073 3,165 Esmée Fairbairn Foundation — Nightwatch 27,462 46,000 (9,721) - (24,129) 39,612 Forestry England — Monitoring 8,485 - (8,168) - - 317 Garfield Weston — Bat Group support 30,000 40,000 (35,000) - - 35,000 Greater London Authority — Nightwatch - 99,590 (96,809) - - 2,781 Groundwork — New to Nature - 3,594 (3,594) - - - HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust — Bat groups 16,667 - (14,572) - - 2,095 Innovate UK — NatureAir - 7,000 (3,923) - - 3,077 John Ellerman Foundation — Policy 26,250 30,000 (38,750) - - 17,500 John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust — CPL 25,000 - (25,000) - - - Kate Barlow Research Award 13,957 12,135 (2,727) - - 23,365 National Heritage NNF (Nature Networks Fund) — Wales WoodlandWonders - 122,550 - - - 122,550 National Lottery Heritage Fund — Bats in Churches 1,728 (10,663) - - 8,935 - National Lottery Heritage Fund — CPL - 465,491 (477,105) - 11,614 - National Lottery Heritage Fund — Natur am Byth - 36,601 (36,601) - - - National Lottery Heritage Fund — Species on the Edge - 52,220 (52,220) - - - National Lottery Heritage Fund — Woodland Hope - 136,364 (136,364) - - - 61 |

18.Movements in funds (continued)

Current Year At 1 April Income Expenditure (Losses) / Transfers At 31 2024 Gains on between March investments funds 2025 £ £ £ £ £ £ Natural England — Bats in Churches - 4,670 (4,670) - - - Natural England — Biodiversity - 30,342 (30,342) - - - Natural England — Connecting People & Landscapes 10,000 - (10,000) - - - Natural England — Earned Recognition - (3,586) - - 3,586 - Natural England — Partnerships - 15,000 (15,000) - - - Natural England — Science & Monitoring 16,826 18,184 (14,161) - (11,686) 9,163 Natural England — Seedcorn - (15,546) - - 15,546 - NatureScot — Scottish Bat Project - 23,975 (23,975) - - - Other restricted project income - 4,742 (3,982) - - 760 Other restricted project income — Bat Groups - 12,924 (3,049) - - 9,875 Other trusts and donations — Bat Helpline - 17,443 (250) - - 17,193 Other trusts and donations — Bats in Churches - 550 - - - 550 Other trusts and donations — Nightwatch - 696 - - - 696 Rufford Foundation — Bats and Health 6,938 - (6,938) - - - Total restricted funds 242,602 1,188,186 (1,092,223) - (30,025) 308,540 At 1 April Income Expenditure (Losses) / Transfers At 31 2024 Gains on between March investments funds 2025 £ £ £ £ £ £ Unrestricted funds: Designated funds: Bats in Churches Advisor 329 - (329) - - - BCT Roost Partnership 5,200 - - - - 5,200 Designated project funds - 73,477 - - - 73,477 Night Vision Aid Guidance 1,725 - - - - 1,725 Organisational development fund 415,414 163,482 (208,526) - - 370,370 Technology investment 100,000 - (100,000) - - - Woodland 779 - (779) - - - 523,447 236,959 (309,634) - - 450,772 General funds 473,867 1,559,659 (1,655,585) 384 30,025 408,350 Total unrestricted funds 997,314 1,796,618 (1,965,219) 384 30,025 859,122 Total funds 3,492,617 2,984,804 (3,068,552) (12,407) - 3,396,462

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Notes to the nancial statements

18. Movements in funds (continued)

Prior Year At 1 April Income Expenditure Gains on Transfers At 31 2023 investments between March funds 2024 £ £ £ £ £ £ Vincent Weir endowment funds: Expendable endowment fund 1,819,696 - (9,650) 126,581 - 1,936,627 Permanent endowment fund 296,997 - (1,584) 20,661 - 316,074 Total endowment funds 2,116,693 - (11,234) 147,242 - 2,252,701 Restricted funds: Animal Friends — Bat Helpline - 2,000 (2,000) - - - AWS Imagine — SCS development - 33,104 (2,325) - - 30,779 Bad Wolf — Woodland Hope project 10,000 - - - - 10,000 Bat Group appeals — Wildlife Crime - 12,191 (12,191) - - - Bat Ringing Project 32,173 5,588 (23,343) - - 14,418 Chapman Charitable Trust 1,000 - (1,000) - - - David Webster Charitable Trust 2,000 2,000 (2,000) - - 2,000 Druid 1,417 - (1,417) - - - Ernest Kleinwort — NightWatch 5,094 - (3,402) - 400 2,092 Esmée Fairbairn Foundation — NightWatch 80,841 - (49,563) - (3,816) 27,462 Esmée Fairbairn Foundation — Planning 900 - (900) - - - Forest Research — NFI Bat survey - 136,323 (136,323) - - - Forestry England — Monitoring - 14,379 (9,310) - 3,416 8,485 Garfield Weston — Bat Group support - 40,000 (10,000) - - 30,000 Groundwork - New to Nature - 17,745 (17,745) - - - HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust — Bat groups - 20,000 (3,333) - - 16,667 JNCC — Monitoring 20,805 - (20,805) - - - John Ellerman Foundation — Policy - 45,000 (18,750) - - 26,250 John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust — CPL 25,000 - - - - 25,000 Kate Barlow Research Award 15,192 1,169 (2,404) - - 13,957 Ministry of Justice — Wildlife Assessment - 40,132 (40,132) - - - National Lottery Heritage Fund — Bats in Churches - 66,573 (64,845) - - 1,728 National Lottery Heritage Fund — CPL - 99,684 (99,684) - - - National Lottery Heritage Fund — Natur am Byth - 18,576 (18,576) - - - National Lottery Heritage Fund — Species on the Edge - 51,230 (51,230) - - - National Lottery Heritage Fund — Woodland Hope - 64,422 (64,422) - - - Natural England — Airborne DNA - 14,000 (14,000) - - - Natural England — Biodiversity - 14,418 (14,418) - - - Natural England — CPL 10,000 - - - - 10,000 Natural England — Offshore project - 16,286 (16,286) - - - Natural England — Partnerships - 15,000 (15,000) - - - Natural England — Science & Monitoring 10,248 53,922 (47,344) - - 16,826 Natural England — Seedcorn - 33,130 (33,130) - - -

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18.Movements in funds (continued)

Prior Year At 1 April Income Expenditure Gains on Transfers At 31 2023 investments between March funds 2024 £ £ £ £ £ £ Restricted funds: Natural England — Threatened Species Recovery Action - 758 (758) - - - NatureScot — Scottish Bat Project - 24,000 (24,000) - - - Other restricted project income - 560 (560) - - - Other trusts and donations — Bat Helpline - 4,274 (4,274) - - - Rufford Foundation — Bats and Health 11,476 - (4,538) - - 6,938 Total restricted funds 226,146 846,464 (830,008) - - 242 ,602 Unrestricted funds: Designated funds: Bats in Churches Advisor - 329 - - - 329 BCT Roost Partnership 6,804 2,629 (4,233) - - 5,200 Database Project 62,735 - (62,735) - - Digital fundraising and fundraising capacity 15,000 - (15,000) - - - Equity, Diversity, and inclusion 730 - (730) - - - Fundraising Consultant 2,000 - (2,000) - - - Helpline Database Money 11,564 - (11,564) - - - JNCC — NBMP 24,834 - (24,834) - - - Natural England — Helpline - 16,282 (16,282) - - - NBMP 1,045 7,845 (8.890) - - - Night Vision Aid Guidance - 1,725 - - - 1,725 Organisational development fund 130,000 415,414 (130,000) - - 415,414 Principal Ecologist at Ministry of Justice 1,400 - (1,400) - - - Technology investment - 100,000 - - - 100,000 Woodland 3,874 94 (3,189) - - 779 259,986 544,318 (280,857) - - 523,447 General funds 358,470 1,274,546 (1,159,765) 616 - 473,867 Total unrestricted funds 618,456 1,818,864 (1,440,622) 616 - 997,314 Total funds 2,961,295 2,665,328 (2,281,864) 147,858 - 3,492,617

Purposes of expendable endowment funds

The funds were donated by Vincent Weir to be invested to generate income for use to support core costs.

Purposes of permanent endowment funds

The Bat Conservation Trust Fund was established by trust deed dated 31 October 2006, so that the income only may be used to advance the charitable purposes of BCT.

Under a charity commission scheme dated 31 March 2010 the funds are treated as forming part of BCT for the purposes of registration and accounting.

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Notes to the nancial statements

18. Movements in funds (continued)

Purposes of restricted funds

Alice Noakes Memorial Charitable Funding to support the update of the bat care guidelines Trust — Bat Care.

Animal Friends — Bat helpline To support the bat care work of the BCT helpline. Animal Friends — CPL Funding to support CPL.

Animal Friends — Natur am Byth Funding to support Wales' flagship Species Recovery project. Animal Friends — Species on the Edge Contribution toward the Species on the Edge project “protecting Scotland’s Island Wonders”.

AWS Imagine — SCS development To further develop Sound Classification System. Bad Wolf - Woodland Hope project Funding to study the health of woodland habitats in Wales. Bat Group appeals — Wildlife Crime To support the work of the Wildlife Crime Project. Bat Ringing Project Funding for the Ring the Changes Project. Chapman Charitable Trust Funding for the NightWatch project. David Webster Charitable Trust Contributes towards the development of best practice lighting guidance for industry.

Druid To advise a NERC funded project to understand and predict the crossecosystem impacts of insect decline on ecosystem services and natural capital.

Ernest Kleinwort — NightWatch Funding towards the NightWatch project. Esmée Fairbairn Foundation To develop an inclusive, engagement-focused community science bat — NightWatch survey. Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Raising the profile of biodiversity in the planning system — a multi— Planning species partnership project.

Forest Research — NFI Bat survey To deliver the NFI Bat Survey and support related work including development and improvement of a woodland soundscape classification algorithm.

Forestry England — Monitoring Collection of baseline data via passive acoustic monitoring from Forestry England sites undergoing forest wilding and sharing of data with NBN Atlas.

Garfield Weston — Bat Group support Towards bat group support and training in England, Wales and Scotland.

Groundwork — New to Nature Funding for a paid work placement focusing on engaging underrepresented audiences in the NBMP.

HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust Towards bat group support and training in England, Wales and — Bat groups Scotland. Innovate UK — NatureAir Funding toward development of potential new method for biodiversity monitoring.

JNCC — Monitoring (British Bat Funding for development and delivery of the British Bat Survey. Survey, NBMP and Genetics Funding for a citizen science programme for monitoring bats in the UK. combined) Contribution towards understanding historic declines in bat populations. John Ellerman Foundation — Policy Funding towards the core costs of policy and advocacy work. John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust Funding towards the Connecting People and Landscapes project. — CPL

Kate Barlow Research Award Award granted to a postgraduate student to conduct a substantive bat research project and to honour the late Dr Kate Barlow's contribution to bat conservation. Ministry of Justice Funding to support update of Wildlife Assessment Check. — Wildlife Assessment

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Purposes of restricted funds (continued) National Heritage NNF (Nature Funding a project to help some of Britain’s rarest bats and precious Networks Fund) — Wales Woodland woodlands in North Wales. Wonders National Lottery Heritage Fund Partnership project put in place to provide solutions to issues with bats — Bats in Churches in churches in England. National Lottery Heritage Fund — CPL Funding towards the Connecting People and Landscapes project. National Lottery Heritage Fund Funding for the development phase of Wales' flagship Species — Natur am Byth Recovery project. National Lottery Heritage Fund Funding for the Species on the Edge programme; a partnership project — Species on the Edge to help vulnerable species on Scotland's coast and islands. National Lottery Heritage Fund Funding to study the health of woodland habitats in Wales. — Woodland Hope Natural England — Airborne DNA Funding to identify a set of functional primer assays for use with British bat species, and establish the sample duration needed to detect an airborne DNA signal at increasing distances from a bat roost in a woodland context. Natural England — Bats in Churches Funding to continue supporting churches with small grants and training through the bat advice service. Natural England — Biodiversity Work to deliver objectives including implementation of actions for priority species, provision of engagement, training and guidance and raising the profile of bat conservation. Natural England — CPL Funding for the development phase of the project Connecting People and Landscapes in a Changing Climate, aiming to bring together farmers and communities to improve outcomes for bats and other wildlife. Natural England — Earned Recognition Work on a pilot for a new approach to licensing mitigation work in England that impacts on bats. Natural England — Offshore project Investigating bat migration and the impact of offshore wind through a literature and evidence review, workshop organisation, engagement with stakeholders and production of a report. Natural England — Partnerships Work to deliver objectives including implementation of actions for priority species, provision of engagement, training and guidance and raising the profile of bat conservation. Natural England To contribute towards the NBMP and other monitoring and research — Science and Monitoring work. Natural England — Seedcorn Purchase equipment, test monitoring options and pilot a passive acoustic monitoring survey on farmland. Natural England — Threatened Species Funding for production of Threatened Species Recovery Action plans for Recovery Action 12 bat species for Natural England. NatureScot — Scottish Bat Project Funding to engage more people in bat recording and conservation to: increase the knowledge of bats status and distribution; increase geographical coverage of bat recording in priority areas; tackle conservation threats. Other restricted project income Amalgamated small donations restricted to particular projects. Other restricted project income Funds to support the bat group work. — Bat groups Other trusts and donations Funding towards providing support to churches with bats. — Bats in churches Other trusts and donations Donations to contribute towards the running of BCT's Helpline. — BCT Helpline Other trusts and donations Funding towards Nightwatch to enhance an inclusive community — Nightwatch science bat survey. Rufford Foundation — Bats and Health Funding for "Don't Blame Bats - Setting the Story Straight" campaign to provide accurate science-based communications.

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Notes to the nancial statements

Purposes of designated funds Bats in Churches Advisor To administer support for churches and training for volunteers. BCT Roost partnership To contribute towards bat box monitoring projects. Database Project A fund set aside for the amortisation of the investment in our current website and customer relationship management (CRM) system. The website will be updated to make it more effective and accessible, and the new CRM system will make our fundraising more efficient and improve the way we engage with members, donors, and supporters. Designated project funds Funds received in the year earmarked for specific projects during 25-26. Digital fundraising and Investment into digital marketing to generate more income and increase fundraising capacity our fundraising capacity more broadly. EDI - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion To support the equity, diversity and inclusion work at BCT. Fundraising Consultant To address the lack of fundraising capacity, we worked with a fundraising consultancy. Helpline Database Money To contribute to the development of a new Helpline database. JNCC - NBMP For work on the National Bat Monitoring Programme. Natural England — Helpline Contribution towards Natural England Bat Advice Service. NBMP For work on the National Bat Monitoring Programme. Night Vision Aid Guidance Staff time to work on Night Vision Aid Guidance document. Organisational development fund Fund to be used strategically for specific projects, capacity or other organisational requirements. Principal Ecologist at Ministry of Justice To fund ecological support work. Technology Investment To contribute towards development of a new Helpline database. Woodland Contributions towards woodland bats work.

19. Related party transactions

During the year ended 31 March 2024 it was agreed that Annika Binet, a trustee of the Bat Conservation Trust, would engage to provide bat surveying services to BCT and that payment would be made to her in respect of these services, not in respect of her work as a trustee. The board of trustees (excluding Annika Binet) were satisfied that Annika was best placed in terms of both location and expertise to provide this service and that the amount charged represented value for money and was at or below commercial rate. Amounts paid to Annika Binet in respect of the above in the year ended 31 March 2025 were £nil (2024: £525). At year end £nil (2024: £525) was outstanding.

During the year aggregate donations from related parties totalled £466 (2024: £526).

There were no other related party transactions outside the normal course of business in the current or preceding year.

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20.Prior year statement of financial activities

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted RestrictedEndowment Total £ £ £ £ Income Income from generated funds Donations and legacies 834,505 22,232 - 856,737 Investment income 59,185 - - 59,185 Income from charitable activities Conferences 69,339 644 - 69,983 Training courses and meetings 84,537 - - 84,537 Projects and research 717,052 822,682 - 1,539,734 Other activities 54,246 906 - 55,152 Total income 1,818,864 846,464 - 2,665,328 Expenditure Expenditure on raising funds Membership support 73,017 - - 73,017 Costs of raising funds 159,516 6,116 11,234 176,866 Expenditure on charitable activities Conferences 75,001 - - 75,001 Training courses & meetings 119,924 - - 119,924 Project and research costs 1,013,164 823,892 - 1,837,056 Total expenditure 1,440,622 830,008 11,234 2,281,864 Net income / (expenditure) / income before net losses on investments 378,242 16,456 (11,234) 383,464 Net gains on investments 616 - 147,242 147,858 Net income for the year 378,858 16,456 136,008 531,322 Net movement in funds 378,858 16,456 136,008 531,322 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 618,456 226,146 2,116,693 2,961,295 Total funds carried forward 997,314 242,602 2,252,701 3,492,617

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The Bat Conservation Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (1012361) and in Scotland (SC040116). Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No: 2712823. Registered office: Studio 15 Cloisters House, Cloisters Business Centre, 8 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG. Vat Reg No: 877158773.