Blackdown Hills Big Bat Survey was organised by the Somerset Bat Group with the Somerset Environmental Records Centre and the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The results are below:
- Blackdowns 2016 Big Bat Survey Report
- Blackdowns 2015 Big Bat Survey Report
- Blackdowns 2014 Big Bat Survey Report
- Blackdowns 2013 Big Bat Survey Report
- Blackdowns 2012 Big Bat Survey Report
- Blackdowns 2011 Big Bat Survey Report
This Big Bat Survey was been held annually for six years between 2011 and 2016, and attracted over 60 people to help. The early popularity and success of the project enabled the number of transects to be increased from 12 to 16 routes in 2012 onwards. Much of the purpose of repeating a survey of this kind over a number of years was to try to iron out inconsistencies caused by variable factors such as weather and farming practice.
The Blackdown Hills Big Bat Survey, whilst providing a significant body of robust and meaningful data, also provided an opportunity for a large number of people to experience the pleasure of listening for bats in the company of more experienced bat people. Local naturalists have discovered a whole new world in their own neighbourhood, a world which only comes to life when the sun has gone down.
2016 was the summation of six years survey on the Blackdown Hills, and the information has led to a much more informed picture about bat activity and landscape use in this part of Somerset and Devon.