A PROJECT to install special bat-friendly bricks in disused local buildings has been launched by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

The project, which needs public support, aims to provide more winter havens for the county's declining bat populations.

The wildlife trust has developed the handmade bricks, that bats can easily cling on to, for fitting in old ice houses, lime kilns and even pill boxes. Now it wants local people to sponsor the bricks.

It is hoped the county's bats, which include Natterer's, Pipistrelle, Daubenton's and Brown Long Eared bats, will make good use of the creviced bricks for years to come.

Wildlife sites officer Heather Sohl said the Natterer's bat and the Daubenton's bat will particularly benefit. She said: "Often man-made structures such as icehouses and pill boxes have smooth brick walls that don't provide the nooks and crannies these bats favour.

"We can encourage greater use of them by installing bat bricks, which have holes providing suitable crevices."

Bats can survive into the spring provided they can find damp, quiet places to squeeze into such as caves, stone and brick buildings, cellars and church buildings.

Despite having legal protection, British bats are still under threat. There are 16 species of bat in Britain 12 of which are endangered or vulnerable.

Only nine species are regularly found in the two counties..

With old barns and other suitable buildings being demolished or renovated for homes, transport and leisure facilities, bats are finding it harder to find places to rest during the harsh and life-threatening months.

Using the confined space to their advantage, these clever creatures can regulate their temperatures - keeping them at a constant level and conserving as much of their energy as possible.

Temperature fluctuations or disturbance by humans, other mammals or even the weather conditions can force them out of hibernation prematurely.

If they cannot find enough water and air-born insects to eat to restock their used energy the bats will perish, so it is essential that these creatures can rest in safe, quiet havens until they are ready to emerge.

For just £10 you can sponsor a brick, which will be put in a suitable place with the help of the Herts and Middlesex Bat Group. In return you receive a sponsorship certificate, an information pack on bats, a chance to see the bricks on a bat walk, and twice-yearly updates on the project. For more information call the trust on (01727) 858901.