International Bat Night 2017

International Bat Night has taken place every year since 1997. More than 30 countries join in with this celebration which takes place on the last full weekend of August. The 21^st International Bat Night will be held on the weekend of 26-27 August 2017.

International Bat Night is an opportunity to raise awareness of bats as well as highlighting the need for the conservation of bats and their habitats. Nature conservation agencies, NGOs and bat enthusiasts from across the world engage with the public about the way bats live and their needs by using presentations, exhibitions, bat walks and other events, often offering the opportunity to listen to bat sounds with the support of ultrasound technology. UK Bat groups, park rangers and community groups organise bat walks and talks at dusk, as well as some day time fun days! We too want to encourage thousands of people across the country to celebrate bats whether it's by going out and seeing and hearing them in their natural environment or by taking part in a range of events organised by local bat groups, wildlife trusts, countryside rangers and other organisations across the country. To check if there are any events near you during International Bat Night visit our events page. To know what other countries in Europe are up to visit this page .

If you are planning on organizing your own event, have a look at our International Bat Night Pack to give you some ideas and which you can download by CLICKING HERE. Please also consider fundraising for bats as every donation whether large or small makes a difference and enables us continue to protect and speak up for bats. You can send us your donations via this JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/bats

What better way to help spread the word on International Bat Night than a Creative Competition! To enter the competition all you have to do is create something original and inspiring that represents how you have celebrated bats. Your entry could be a drawing or painting of a bat you saw whilst on a bat walk, a photo of bat shaped cookies you baked, or a poem or short story inspired by your activities. The competition is open to all, and to accommodate all ages we will be splitting entries into two categories, (16 and under and over 16). We will choose one winner from each category - so make sure you include your name and age when you send us your entry and if you are under 16 please also include your guardian's details. The lucky winners will receive one year's FREE membership to the Young Batworker's Club (under 16s category) and either a year's FREE individual or family membership (over 16s category). We will also share winning entries (and maybe others too) with bat enthusiasts.

Send your entries by email to comms@bats.org.uk and add 'International Bat Night Competition' as the email subject title (if it's a piece of artwork, you could scan it or send us a clear picture instead) or by post to:

Bat Conservation Trust

Quadrant House

250 Kennington Lane

London

SE11 5RD

The deadline for the competition is 31^st August! To find out more about International Bat Night, the Creative Competition and what you can do to get involved don't forget to have a look at our International Bat Night pack!