Announcing Project Echo!

We're excited to announce a new project, made possible with generous funding from the Peak District National Park Foundation. 

Project Echo is an ambitious citizen science project to map bat roosts across the Parish and encourage colonies to thrive and grow. Read on to find out why, and how you can be involved...

 

 What is Project Echo?

Bats are a vital indicator of ecosystem health. 

Phase 1 of Project Echo focuses on acoustic mapping. Using state-of-the-art bat detectors (Echo Meter Touch 2 Pro) and specialist software, our team will capture full-spectrum recordings to identify which species live, hunt, and roost across our local habitats - from Combs Reservoir and Bluebell Woods to our town centre and surrounding farmland.

In Phase 2, we will use this data to take targeted conservation action, including installing specialized bat boxes, planting insect-rich native wildflowers, and collaborating with local councils, landowners, and schools.

 How You Can Get Involved

1. Become a Volunteer!

We are looking for adult volunteers to join us in conducting evening acoustic walks and monitoring bat activity.

• No prior experience needed! You will be working alongside trained project leads to record bat activity and learning about acoustic monitoring techniques.
• Family-Friendly: While active survey volunteers must be adults, families are very welcome to come along on walks to learn about these fascinating nocturnal creatures!

2. Tell Us About Your Local Bat Sightings & Roosts!

Do you regularly see bats flying over your garden? Do you know of a bat roost in your house, outbuilding, barn, or local area? We want to hear from you! 

Community sightings are essential in helping us build a clear picture of bat activity across the parish. When we come to survey the area with our detectors, we will be able to give you a prediction of which species are present which will then be verified with post survey data analysis.

 Get in Touch

If you’d like to join us as a volunteer, report a bat roost/sighting, or simply learn more about the project, email us directly at chapelbiodiversity@gmail.com

Not in Chapel? Let us know anyway - we are connected with all the biodiversity groups across High Peak and will put you in touch with local initiatives, and of course you are still welcome to be involved with us here. 

Let’s work together to protect our local wildlife and create a thriving ecosystem for generations to come!