The study of bats and their use of habitat along and adjacent to the
Union and Forth & Clyde Canal network in Scotland

Latest News – Last updated 31.03.2007

BaTML 5 Year Report (2001 - 2005) - Click here to download

BaTML Publications Volume 3 - Now Available
Go to our Publications Page

Newsletter 11 (April 06) - Now Available
Click Here

BaTML data is now live on NBN Gateway
Click here to link to our details

Foraging Study Programme
Lots of valuable data relating to foraging activity of Daubenton's bats at 2 sites on canal has been collected by our volunteers during 2006.

Daubenton's Monitoring Programme
6 years of monitoring trends have now concluded. Report to be made available via BaTML Publications (Vol 3)

BATS & The Millennium Link (BaTML) was launched in late 2000 with a view to monitoring the bat populations along and adjacent to the Forth & Clyde and Union Canal network that connects the east coast of Scotland with the west coast. These canals, after heavy investment, are in the process of undergoing major changes during a period when they have been completely re-opened to water traffic. From an environmental point of view these changes are by no means all negative. Many positive things are happening which we are sure will benefit the local wildlife and bats in particular. As such our canals should continue to remain very valuable wildlife corridors.

The project, which commenced in 2001, was set up primarily to study the following species of bat:

Myotis daubentonii - Daubenton’s Bat
Pipistrellus pygmaeus - Soprano pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus - Bandit (or Common) pipistrelle

Project Goals

The following have been put in place as the main objectives of BaTML:

• Establish benchmark data regarding bat activity and monitor trends thereafter.

• Gather information regarding diet, behaviour and use of habitat.

• Produce distribution maps for the 3 species of bat being studied.

• Locate, monitor and protect bat roosts found in the study area.

• Contribute towards Local Biodiversity Action Planning.

• Raise public awareness of bat related issues and improve the image of bats generally.

To help us in achieving these objectives we also get involved with Habitat Assessment, Insect Studies, Training, Public Walks/Talks and wider Public Relations activity. Note that BaTML is a non-profit making organisation and any money generated through our activities is used directly for the benefit of our research and/or bat conservation generally. Please get in touch with us if there is any way in which you feel you can offer assistance.

Laura Black and Chris Gould
Union Canal 2002

Funders and Supporters

All of our results are achieved in conjunction with a network of enthusiastic volunteers without whom we would struggle to come anywhere close to our goals. We would like to thank everyone involved for their support so far.

We are greatly appreciative of the funding obtained from British Waterways, Falkirk Environment Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage. Without this and their continued support we would not be able to do anything meaningful. In addition to our funders we are also keen to acknowledge the support/encouragement given to us by the following organisations:

Bat Conservation Trust

BTCV

Central Scotland Bat Group

Clyde Bat Group

Lothians Bat Group

Contact details for all of the above mentioned organisations, along with many more, can be found on our Links page.