Roost Visitor Training
To become a roost visitor, you must undertake a scheme of training under a licensed trainer in order to gain a Roost Visitor (Conservation) licence. Most bat groups have one or more trainers, who are licensed to train unlicensed trainees in some or all of the activities covered under the licence.
The training involves both theory (for example, biology, ecology, Health and Safety) and practical (handling bats, shadowing the trainer on roost visits, and then leading roost visits yourself under supervision).
The majority of roost visitors are also licensed to handle bats, but where the trainee has not had enough handling experience this can be omitted. You should contact your local bat group or SNCO office if you wish to train as a roost visitor.
Courses
Target audience: Volunteers, SNH staff
This course is aimed at those wishing to gain their roost visitor licence in Scotland (either for voluntery bat work or SNH contract work - priority will be given to those undertaking this work). It must be noted that participants will need to do additional follow-up work and supervised roost visits before applying for a licence. Arrivals are on the two days and two nights rather than a full three days.
There are no further courses planned for 2008
Please note that it is possible to run this course on request in other areas of the UK e.g. if a local Natural England office wanted to fund a course for local bat workers in an area where there are not many active trainers. Please contact Kit Stoner if you are interested in arranging this.