UK bat populations have declined dramatically during the past century. Many roosting sites and feeding grounds have been destroyed to make way for buildings and roads. Bats are also vulnerable to the effects of modern agricultural practices and the decline of woodland, which result in a loss of suitable feeding habitats and roosting sites. The Knapp & Papermill reserve has become a most important site for bats - with 12 out of the 14 species of bats recorded in the county found on the reserve.

The project will work to conserve and encourage further breeding and provide opportunities for education and learning. Many bat species roost in different ways. The new centre and bat loft will address this issue by providing a variety of roosting opportunities, iincluding a wide, open maternity space for the rare lesser horseshoe and brown longeared bats and small man-made crevices and bat boxes for other bat species. The bat loft will improve connectivity in a geographically important area.