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.
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.
Wildlife Acoustics Kaleidoscope Pro - online
24th April 2020
A one day course aimed at ecological consultants, the course will focus on both the free and full versions of Kaleidoscope and its ability to analyse large data sets. The course will be led by Wildlife Acoustics' Paul Howden-Leach, an expert in Kaleidoscope Pro. All profits from the course will go to the Bat Conservation Trust.
25th April 2020
There will be a short talk in the gallery about the lives of Bats and their behaviour, the types of Bats we see in the Highlands and an introduction into how we use the Bat Detectors. This will be followed by a short walk around Balmacara Square as the sun goes down and the Bats come out to play where we will be use bat detectors to help us locate and listen to the local populations. Please wear warm clothing, sturdy footwear and bring a torch if you have one. Bat detectors will be provided. This event is suitable for beginners and is free of charge, there will be refreshments available as well.
Using bat detectors - postponed
14th May 2020
This one day course offers an introduction to the use of bat detectors for professional bat surveys with an optional bat walk in the evening.
Bat Ecology and Conservation - postponed
15th May 2020
This one-day course is designed for those new to bat work. You will be given a comprehensive foundation to bat biology, ecology and conservation.
Advanced Bat Survey Techniques
19th August 2020
Over three days and two nights, attendees will be given theoretical and practical experiences of acoustic lures, harp traps, mist nets and radio tracking. The course will investigate the application of these techniques in line with the BCT’s Bat Surveys for Professional Ecologists: Good Practice Guidelines.
4th September 2020
The National Bat Conference is the biggest event in the bat calendar - a weekend of exciting talks, workshops and a conference dinner with entertainment on the 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. This year we are delighted to have Dr Rodrigo Medellin, the Bat Man of Mexico, giving our keynote as well as an exciting range of talks, workshops and networking opportunities. We are currently being optimistic and assuming that we will be able to gather in September, but we are also developing contingency plans in case we can not go forward in our usual manner.
Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project Conference
17th September 2020
oin us on Thursday 7th May 2020 for the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project Conference – ‘Celebrating Five Years Helping Horseshoes’. As the end of our project approaches, we want to share what we have learnt. The Bat Project Conference will consist of a range of expert speakers and cover four themes of Research, Roosts, Land Management and Communities.
5th October 2020
"Very good introduction to bats in relation to ecology, the law and tree use." Course participant, 2017 This Lantra-accredited course, developed by the Bat Conservation Trust and supported by the Arboricultural Association, will enable participants to carry out tree works with consideration for the potential effects on bats and their habitats. Enquire for discount details: training@bats.org.uk
Secondary Roost Surveys for Arborists
6th October 2020
This follow-on course teaches participants how to undertake a secondary roost survey including use of an endoscope. You will explore in more depth the practical skills needed in the field, the methods that can be used to rule out the potential of features as suitable bat roosts, learn the appropriate use of endoscopes and be given guidance on what can and cannot be done without a bat licence.
Wildlife Acoustics Kaleidoscope Pro - Bristol
20th October 2020
A one day course aimed at ecological consultants, the course will focus on both the free and full versions of Kaleidoscope and its ability to analyse large data sets. The course will be led by Wildlife Acoustics' Paul Howden-Leach, an expert in Kaleidoscope Pro. All profits from the course will go to the Bat Conservation Trust.
20th November 2020
BCT’s second woodland symposium will be a one day event aimed at bat workers, landowners, ecologists and the woodland/forestry industry. Throughout the day we will cover research and knowledge, what bats are in my woodland and woodland/landscape management case studies/research. We are delighted to welcome two keynote speakers to this symposium, Mike Render and George Peterken. Mike Render has had nearly 50 years of experience of working within the forestry industry and currently works for the Forestry Commission. George Peterken specialises in woodland ecology and conservation and has worked for the Nature Conservancy Council (as part of the Chief Scientist team) and the Forestry Commission. He recently wrote a book about the long-term study of Lady Park Wood titled ‘Woodland Development - A Long-term Study of Lady Park Wood’ and will be sharing the changes he observed from this study at the symposium.