Bats in Our Backyard

Looking after our local environment is one of my priorities. Practical, community-led conservation works - and one of the best examples of that is the incredible work being done by Finding Franklin Bats.

These volunteers are helping protect our native bats (pekapeka), which are nationally critically endangered - and surprisingly, living right here in our own backyards. So far, they’ve trapped and tracked 195 bats, and interestingly, only 20 of those have been males - 10 adults and 10 juveniles. The reason for this is still unknown, but it shows just how much we still have to learn about these amazing creatures.

I went along to their event at Glenbrook Kindergarten, where Billy Maclean and Natasha Bansal shared more about their work and the importance of protecting these bats. It’s incredible to think we have such a rare and vulnerable species flying over our neighbourhoods at night - something many people in Franklin don’t even realise.

Their work is also a reminder of how important pest control is, not just for bats but for all our native wildlife. If you’re not already doing pest control on your property, groups like Predator Free Franklin or the Waiuku Predator Trap Library can help you get started.

This is exactly the kind of grassroots conservation I want to see supported more. Healthy native bush and thriving wildlife aren’t just important on their own - they’re part of improving our waterways, protecting our coasts, and ensuring future generations can enjoy the natural beauty that makes Franklin so special.

If you want to learn more or get involved, check out Finding Franklin Bats on Facebook or Instagram. Local action works - and groups like this show just how much we can achieve when we work together.