A Warminster environmental group is asking people with bat boxes to look out for signs of activity from the tiny flying mammals.

Now that spring is around the corner, bats are likely to be on the move after their long winter hibernation.

Members of Sustainable Warminster are now asking people to watch out for signs of activity and log what they see.

The group's spokeswoman Harriet James said: "Recent surveys have shown that Warminster has a large population of bats.

"It is now confirmed that there are at least 14 of the UK’s 18 species living in the area.

"These include the Barbastelle, Bechstein, Lesser Horsehoe and Greater Horseshoe species which are specially protected under EU and UK legislation.

"Like hedgehogs and dormice, bats will soon be emerging from hibernation. "In the next few months they will be moving between roost sites in attics, trees or underground spaces.

"The bat boxes may be attractive to females looking for safe and dry maternity roosts where they will gather together to give birth.

"If anyone thinks they have bats in their attic, behind tiles of cladding, in an outbuilding or a bat box, Sustainable Warminster ask that they report this to them. "It is illegal to disturb bats, so advice should be sought if they are found."

Following the popular ‘Bats in the Park’ event and ‘Bat Box Making Day’ last summer, Sustainable Warminster has commissioned surveys from a professional ecologist, assisted by volunteers from the Wiltshire Bat Group. They recorded and analysed the supersonic calls of the bats and trapped and ringed bats in nets.

The survey work was funded by a grant from the Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy Fund.

WWCE build solar energy farms on land where they enchance wildlife biodiversity at the same time as generating electricity. They have also installed solar panels on the new café at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve in Salisbury.

Mrs James added: "More than 110 bat boxes have been put up on houses and trees in and around Warminster. "Warminster Area Board provided a grant for the rough sawn cedar for making the boxes.

"We're hoping that people will report activity to us. Signs of residents may include streaks on the wood below the cavities."