The VWT in Ireland

The Vincent Wildlife Trust has been playing a key role in bat conservation in the Republic of Ireland since 1991. Between the years 1991-1994, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Trust funded a full-time Bat Conservation Officer, based in Galway city, but who travelled throughout the country promoting bat education and conservation measures.

The Trust has maintained a permanent presence in Ireland since 1995. VWT staff work independently, but are in close liaison with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The majority of our work is centred on the bat species in Ireland, and in particular the lesser horseshoe bats.

The Trust was responsible for the first all Ireland otter survey conducted in 1980/81 and is currently exploring the possibility of working once again on other Irish mammal species, including the pine marten. Where a need is identified, the Trust will initiate a research programme that will support other bodies working to safeguard the future of all mammals in Ireland.

Currently our work focuses on:

• creating and managing reserves for the lesser horseshoe bat
• coordinating summer and winter surveys of the lesser horseshoe bat throughout its range
• promoting bat conservation & research through lectures, walks, articles, radio and television
• offering bat related advice to the general public, local authorities, consultants and professional groups

Our bat roosts

The Trust manages fourteen lesser horseshoe bat roosts, nine freehold and five leasehold, located in Counties Mayo, Galway, Clare and Kerry. During 2009 these buildings contained almost 3,000 bats, approximately a quarter of the Irish national population for this species.

Current and recent projects - click for more details

The Vincent Wildlife Trust takes on new study of the Irish stoat

2010 Workshop for members of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM)