A nature-loving couple have spent thousands of pounds caring for more than 100 bats each year across Avon and Somerset.

Weston Mercury: Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group.Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group. (Image: Archant)

Stewart Rowden, aged 42, and Kiri Green, aged 36, are registered bat carers with Avon Bat Group (ABG) and respond to calls across Somerset and Bristol.

The pair rescue, rehabilitate and release the nocturnal animals on behalf of the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT).

When someone finds a bat in trouble, they are asked to call the BCT’s free helpline and volunteers are sent to help, however volunteering does come with a cost.

Weston Mercury: A young bat rescued by the Avon Bat Group.A young bat rescued by the Avon Bat Group. (Image: Archant)

Kiri estimates the couple spends around £20 on every bat they care for and, in the past couple of years, have spent approximately £4,000 on more than 200 bats.

Stewart said: “The ABG is not a charity yet which means we have to invest a lot of our own money into the bats’ care.

“It does have an affect on the amount of money we have to work with, but it is so rewarding to know we are doing something for nature.”

Weston Mercury: Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group.Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group. (Image: Archant)

The pair, who live in Bristol, began volunteering at Secret World, in Highbridge, in 2011 before getting involved with the ABG.

Stewart said: “Working from home, we get to see a lot more of the bats and their care.

“We do have to restrict how much we handle them to make sure they are ready to be released back into the wild.”

Weston Mercury: Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group.Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group. (Image: Archant)

If you find a bat in trouble, contact 03451 300228. Find out more about ABG, at www.avonbatgroup.org.uk

Weston Mercury: Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group.Bats rescued by the Avon bat Group. (Image: Archant)