Background Bat populations have declined in many parts of the EU and the loss of bat habitats in southern Poland is considered to be a threat to the region’s bat species. There is particular concern in relation to the loss of summer and winter roosts within buildings. Remedial action is therefore required to redress bat habitat threats, which includes improving understanding among residents about the relevance of bat conservation work. Objectives The project will focus on 29 Natura 2000 sites in southern Poland, with the main objective being to improve the conservation status and population sizes of bat species that are classified as being threatened in Poland, namely the lesser horseshoe bat, the Geoffroy’s bat and the greater mouse-eared bat. This will be achieved by carrying out specific actions to improve the quality and quantity of habitats for the target species. Attention will be paid to strengthening the overall integrity of bat habitats by reducing threats, both around roosts and also along corridors that connect different parts of the bat habitats. Efforts will be made to ensure a positive long-term impact by using self-sustaining and/or low maintenance habitat management techniques. Communication campaigns will promote a positive image of bats, tackle misconceptions, explain the consequences of biodiversity decline, and highlight the potential economic opportunities that can be gained from nature conservation activities. Expected results: Some 66 bat roosts in southern Poland will benefit from the project. These include nine roosts in buildings that will benefit from the refurbishment of woodwork and roofing. Long-term conditions for another six existing roosts in buildings will be improved by erecting guano platforms. In at least 40 roosts the conditions for bats and their safety will be improved by targeted measures including improvements to surroundings that result in structuring of localised vegetation and modifying illumination. It is expected that by the end of the project, most residents from the target area will have developed a positive attitude towards bats. The number of people visiting the project website (target – no less than 10000 per year) and the number of tourists involved in bat counts (no less than 100 people per year) will serve as indices of the popularity of the project.