Initiative: "Bat observatory combined with the development of their habitat and a comprehensive form of education".
Originator: The Lime Kiln Museum Association from Stronie Śląskie
Location: Stronie Śląskie, Wpiennik
Implementation date: 09/2015-05/2016
Description of the problem encountered: The Lesser Horseshoe Bat - one of the bat species - is under strict protection because it is at risk of extinction. Over the years, their numbers in the historic lime kiln in the Stronie Śląskie municipality have regularly increased. Big and perched nightjars also feed in the area, so it seems necessary to develop their habitat and observe the endangered species. There is also an unfounded view regarding the negative perception of these unique mammals. There is undoubtedly a strong need to counter such stereotypes.
Activities:
- the purchase of equipment needed to carry out animal monitoring was planned,
- various types of nesting boxes for other bat species were hung in the adjacent deciduous forest;
- creation of a website to better disseminate knowledge about these rare and valuable bats found at this particular site: www.chiropterium.com;
- holding practical lessons on bats in the new observatory;
- the creation of simple structures out of planks (ecological recycling of existing planks) to create small crevices under the roofs of buildings, which will also provide a safe place for various other bat species such as: moppets, cockatiels, Brandt's nightjars and whiskered nightjars;
- special houses for pollinating insects will be built.
Results: The bat observatory will have a major impact on raising environmental awareness among children, young people and adultsEducation through non-invasive and not in any way disturbing observations of bats thanks to special cameras and monitors, and a microphone allowing to listen to the sounds made by large bats is one of the cornerstones of the protection of these rare and useful species. By implementing this initiative, it will be possible to improve the environment by increasing the numbers of rare bats, but also to change the behaviour of local communities, which will learn to protect and respect their environment.
The initiative 'Bat observatory combined with the development of their habitat and a comprehensive form of education', conceived by the Wapiennik Museum Association from Stronie Śląskie, is being implemented as part of the project 'Local ecological civic initiatives - together for the environment' of the Foundation for the Development of Polish Agriculture and funded by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
Local ecological civic initiatives - together for the environment is a project prepared by the Foundation for the Development of Polish Agriculture, bringing together 20 local ecological initiatives. The main objective of the project is to improve the state of the environment by involving the local community in sustainable development activities. The problems identified concern the Mazowieckie, Podlaskie, Lubelskie, Łódzkie, Małopolskie and Dolnośląskie voivodships. Their authors include representatives of NGOs operating locally, schools, institutions, but also individuals. Each of the initiatives is an attempt to solve a local environmental problem, which is intended to provide an impulse and initiate further actions to permanently protect nature and the environment, and to shape lasting habits in this respect.
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