Tiny ‘Batman’ Movie Theaters Now Showing On Trees To Protect Winged Friends

The Dark Knight is saving the day in ways you might not have thought of.

To mark the release of the Robert Pattinson-starring DC film, The Batman, on NOW TV, the British television subscription service has partnered with the Bat Conservation Trust and conservationist Ben Fogle to bring the movie-going experience to the endangered winged community.

The “bat box offices,” miniature, exact replicas of cinemas with show lights and little roost seats, are now starring in blockbuster roles in sheltering one of the most at-risk species in the UK. Fans are asked to channel their inner superheroes by hosting one of these venues—now being given out for free—in their own gardens to help make the country more bat-friendly.

Loss of habitat is the main cause of how quickly bats are vanishing, which is why planting more homes for them is so important.

The misunderstood creatures are vital in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, being adept at pest control, pollination, and the dispersing of seeds.

According to NOW TV, six out of 18 local bat species are nearing extinction. Only one greater mouse-eared bat is known to exist in the UK, with fewer than 1,000 gray long-eared bats spotted in the country.

100 cinematic bat boxes are now up for grabs. To further safeguard the population, NOW has made a donation to the Bat Conservation Trust, which offers emergency aid for injured, orphaned, or grounded critters and even has a National Bat Helpline for humans to call in for assistance.

Appointed as spokesbat for the campaign photos is Griff, a rescue Noctule bat who was wounded during a cat attack but has now been rehomed. 

To help the project take wing, NOW is also giving participants the chance to score a three-month NOW Cinema Membership.

[via Wales Online and NOW TV, images via NOW TV]