A fundraising target to help endangered Bechstein bats has been hit, unlocking a £20,000 scheme.

Plans to help critically endangered bats in a nature reserve have moved a step forward.

A fundraising target to support the Bechstein bats at Trowbridge’s Green Lane Wood Nature Reserve, Wiltshire, has been hit, which has unlocked £20,000.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will spend the money on new bat roosts, ponds, bat monitoring and public education.

The trust’s grant’s officer Debbie Bentley said the charity had been worried amid declining numbers over recent years. She added the money will help to maintain a “strong and healthy” colony.

Most of the £20,000 is coming from the Suez Landfill Fund, external. This stipulates that 10% needs to come from elsewhere, which the trust has now raised.