Whether you are a bat-beginner or an expert you are sure to find an event to interest you in the listings below. Year round the Bat Conservation Trust, local bat groups as well as conservation and community organisations arrange bat events across the UK from training courses to bat walks for families.
To stay updated on all BCT's upcoming events, sign up to our events mailing list here.
You will soon be able to add your events on our website yourself but for the time being please do email comms@bats.org.uk with details of your event: name of event, date, time and location, who is it aimed for, is it a paid event (if so how much per person), do people need to book (and where), contact details for the organiser for people who have question, website of the event if there is one.
Further information about the Bat Conservation Trust's Training Courses and Conferences & Symposia.
Certificate of Bat Acoustics Analysis - online, available to start now
8th August 2022
“Superb training, with really illuminating illustrations and everything explained in a clear and accessible way.” - Philip Briggs, Monitoring Manager, Bat Conservation Trust
British bats, their ecology and conservation - 6 session course
12th July 2022
Online course with 6 live, weekly workshops lasting 60-90 minutes online with opportunities to interact with the tutors on Zoom and ask your questions. Recordings of each session will be available afterwards for 1 month. You can book individual sessions if you are particularly interested in one or two topics, or book all six for a full overview of British bats.
Tonbridge River Trips Bat Experience
11th August 2022
A 2-hour cruise with hot drink and snack provided on an electric launch to see and hear bats, often up to 6 different species. Our ecologist will provide information about bats and help with bat identification as we go. Bat detectors are provided. This event is aimed at anyone over the age of 12 years.
Tonbridge River Trips Bat Experience
25th August 2022
A 2-hour cruise with hot drink and snack provided on an electric launch to see and hear bats, often up to 6 different species. Our ecologist will provide information about bats and help with bat identification as we go. Bat detectors are provided. This event is aimed at anyone over the age of 12 years.
26th August 2022
Stories, Bats and Yoga Mats will start with a story about a little bat acted out through yoga, and then with space for calm and observation afterwards, including looking for bats, but also spotting planets, and planes, and listening out for our lovely local tawny owls. This session is accessible for very little ones and people of all ages with complex needs. It is also free to attend and no booking is required.
BatFest Carry on up the Bat Roost aka 50 Shades of Grey (long-eared bat)
31st August 2022
A light-hearted exploration of the weird and wonderful world of bat sex and the research that's revealing its secrets. Delivered by BCT Trustee Matthew Terry, proceeds from the event will go towards the National Bat Helpline. *May contain material unsuitable for children
Tonbridge River Trips Bat Experience
3rd September 2022
A 2-hour cruise with hot drink and snack provided on an electric launch to see and hear bats, often up to 6 different species. Our ecologist will provide information about bats and help with bat identification as we go. Bat detectors are provided. This event is aimed at anyone over the age of 12 years.
Introduction to Thermal Imaging - online
7th September 2022
Held over the course of 6 weeks, this programme has been developed in line with the most up-to-date Thermal Imaging Bat Survey Guidelines. Weekly online sessions every Wednesday at 12:30pm UK time. Students are able to attend these sessions live, or catch up on the recording later. Book using BCT's affilitate link and BCT will receive 20% of the fee! Early bird discount £50, if you book before midnight 7th August
Tonbridge River Trips Bat Experience
8th September 2022
A 2-hour cruise with hot drink and snack provided on an electric launch to see and hear bats, often up to 6 different species. Our ecologist will provide information about bats and help with bat identification as we go. Bat detectors are provided. This event is aimed at anyone over the age of 12 years.
BatFest Bat Care for Non-Bat Carers workshop
15th September 2022
Ideal for ecologists, vets and vet nurses or anyone who might come across a bat unexpectedly. This workshop is free, but you are invited to make an optional donation towards BCT's conservation work if you are able.
Around the bat world in 8 sessions!
17th September 2022
Bats without Borders is excited to host this event, where we will be hearing about diversity of work carried out by different bat groups. We are lucky to have a wonderful line up of speakers to showcase some of the great work carried out by bat groups around the world. We have speakers based in Australia, Asia, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana and Europe. Our speakers will give you a snapshot of the work they do and some lessons they have learned along the way. This event is open to all (everyone is very welcome), but is targeted towards inspiring people across southern Africa to find out more about bats and to consider setting up a bat group. There will be opportunities for networking, and we welcome those involved in bat groups to join in and share their experiences.
24th September 2022
The National Bat Conference is the biggest event in the bat calendar and booking is now open! This year we are going hybrid so you can join us online or in person for a weekend of exciting talks, workshops and there is the option of the conference dinner on Saturday evening. The conference is an opportunity to learn about the new discoveries in the world of bat conservation, catch up with old friends and meet new ones. A range of packages are available for online or in person, with or without accommodation.
Get started! Thermal Imaging for Ecologists - in person
11th October 2022
This training is designed specifically for professional ecologists who need to get to grips with this technology and is especially useful for those who need to implement these methods in line with the latest guidance for bat surveys. Course includes: - 2 day in-person training course - Practical sessions - Theory sessions - Expert-led demonstrations - Equipment practice Book using BCT's affiliate links and BCT will receive 20% of the fee as a donation. Early bird discount save £100 if you book before midnight 7th August 2022