Project
Biodiversity Guardians Project
Conservation resources and community action to protect bats, swallows and other beneficial species across the Valencian Community.
Conserving bats and swallows as key species in the Valencian ecosystem
Protecting bats and swallows is essential for preserving biodiversity and strengthening local ecosystems across the Valencian Community.
One of their most important roles is their ability to reduce mosquito populations.Mosquitoes are not merely a nuisance: they can also carry diseases such as malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis and Zika, which can seriously affect people and domestic animals.
These small guardians are also part of our cultural heritage and play a vital role in natural pest control,helping farmers reduce pesticide use and adopt more sustainable practices.
This conservation project strengthens bat and swallow populations across the Valencian Community through practical action and public awareness, helping to protect these valuable natural allies.
One of its main strategies is the installation of artificial roosts and nests in key locations.
Protecting bats and swallows is an investment in sustainable, healthy natural environments and contributes to a greener, more balanced Valencian Community.
Let us protect these animals and their habitats.
Project benefits
Safe shelters.
Installing artificial roosts and nests to protect and increase bat and swallow populations.
Reduced pesticide use.
Biological pest control through the natural feeding activity of these species.
Community education.
Activities that build respect and appreciation for bats and swallows.
Cultural connection.
Strengthening the relationship between communities and their emblematic wildlife.
Supporting biodiversity.
Supporting ecological balance and the health of local ecosystems.
Impact monitoring.
Continuous evaluation to improve conservation strategies.
Would you like to help? You can host a swallow nest at your home, organisation or other suitable site
Every spring, swallows return from Africa in search of somewhere to nest. These migratory birds not only signal the arrival of warmer weather; they are also essential allies in controlling insects such as tiger mosquitoes, which can affect our health.
Unfortunately, modern buildings often lack the eaves that shelter their nests, while existing nests may be removed because they are considered inconvenient. Safe breeding sites are therefore becoming harder to find.
Through this project, we want to help them return by installing artificial nests with droppings trays in carefully selected locations where they can breed without causing disruption. We are looking for homes, balconies, schools, public spaces and agricultural sites to join this network of “Daytime Guardians”.
Interested in taking part?
Contact us so that we can learn more about your site and confirm whether an installation would be suitable:
Project resources
Learning materials about bats
The following documents explain the importance of bats in the Valencian Community:
Characteristics of bats in the Valencian Community
Download: Characteristics of bats in the Valencian Community
Insect hotels
Alongside conserving bats and swallows, we can also support biodiversity by installing artificial shelters that attract beneficial insects to an allotment, balcony or garden. These structures are called insect hotels.
Guide to insect hotels
Download: Insect hotels
Are you a school or education centre interested in the project?
Use the materials in class and enter the draw for a kit to build your own bat box.
Schools and centres for people with disabilities can apply to receive a nest-box kit to install at their premises.
Educational bat-box kit
The educational bat-box kit contains the solid-pine pieces and screws needed for assembly, together with a leaflet explaining how to build it and describing the species that may use the box.
To enter the draw, simply email us a photograph of your class using the materials: info@institutestudishorta.org
Three kits are available.
Funded by:
