This work investigates the biological diversity, ecological roles, and conservation status of bat species residing within the British Isles. John D. Altringham, a recognized expert in chiropteran biology, synthesizes decades of field research and laboratory data to provide a comprehensive overview of these mammals. The text establishes a framework for understanding how these species adapt to temperate climates, their complex social structures, and the environmental pressures currently impacting their populations.

The text is regarded as a definitive reference for both amateur naturalists and professional biologists seeking a rigorous, evidence-based account of British chiroptera. Its inclusion in the New Naturalist series underscores its status as a foundational, scholarly examination of the subject matter.