S5E46 Hidden in west Dorset is a nature reserve which holds a very special secret. A bat box scheme which was installed in the late 1990's is home to one of the most well-studied colonies of Bechstein's bats. Join Steve as he spends the day with the Vincent Wildlife Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust as they undertake one of their monthly inspections of the boxes, adding to this really important data which has been collected over the last quarter of a century. We hear from Patrick Wright, VWTs senior scientific officer about the history of the scheme and what new discoveries are being made, Steve Masters, Dorset Wildlife Trust's reserve ecologist who tells us why the woodland is such a special place and a familiar voice to regular listeners; Jim Mullholland who has recently joined VWT explains how the team are processing the bats as silver-washed fritillary butterflies swoop around the dappled sunlight hitting the woodland floor.

• Bats at the Vincent Wildlife Trust
• Dorset Wildlife Trust
• Dorset Bat Group
• Maureen Keats dedication

We've been selected by the Big Give for this year's Green Match Fund; every donation we receive up to £10,000 will be doubled. A huge opportunity to raise at least £20,000 for bat conservation. Donations must be received via the Big Give website between 18th - 25th April. 

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👕We now have our own Merch!👚 Get your hands on the brand new range of BatChat clothing and tote bags at our tee mill store.
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Thank you to Wildlife Acoustics and Wildcare for sponsoring series 5 of BatChat.
Visit wildlifeacoustics.com to learn more.
Quote BATCHAT at the Wildcare checkout for 10% off all bat detectors and bat boxes.

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Bats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!