I’m proud to be the Species Champion for the common pipistrelle bat and I am so looking forward to working with the Bat Conservation Trust and Scottish Environment LINK this session.

These bats face real pressures in Scotland, from loss of insect populations and habitat change, to disruption of roosts in buildings and other human impacts. While there are signs of recovery, they still need protection and action.

We need to encourage bat boxes, support the creation of insect-rich habitats like woodland and water, improve monitoring, and ensure Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy is fully delivered.

I look forward to playing my part in protecting this important species.