Footsteps is sharing an opportunity for faith groups to collaborate with NightWatch – a project of the Bat Conservation Trust, that is helping connect people living in cities with the nature around us:
At NightWatch, we empower city dwellers to connect with each other, discover hidden nocturnal nature they share their neighbourhoods with, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits that come with time in nature. In 2025, NightWatchers found over 10 bat species, even in the middle of cities like Birmingham!
This summer, we’re looking to collaborate with groups who can help us collect important data about night-time wildlife in their local sacred places in and around Birmingham and the Black Country. We can offer equipment loans, funding for co-designed community events and training to help you run bat events into the future. NightWatch is free, beginner friendly, and open to all regardless of background, experience, knowledge, or physical ability.
Every participating sacred place will receive a bespoke report highlighting the bats you discovered on site, along with tailored recommendations for simple ways your community can continue supporting local wildlife in the future.
We’re particularly interested in working with groups and communities of faith who support people of the Global Majority and people with disabilities. Can your community shape the support we offer sacred places in cities around the country for summers to come? We’d love to hear from you and book a short meeting to discuss opportunities. Email Hannah at NightWatch@bats.org.uk
Or, to join NightWatch and survey bats in your sacred place, visit the Bat Conservation Trust website.
Happy NightWatching!