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.
National Bat Conference 2020 - Online
5th September 2020
The National Bat Conference is the biggest event in the bat calendar - a weekend of exciting talks, workshops and networking. 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 it is being held online but we still have a great programme of talks, workshops and panel discussions as well as new technology to facilitate networking even when we're apart!
10th September 2020
In September each year BCT convenes a Consultant’s Forum where consultants gather to hear about BCT’s work and discuss current issues. This year the Consultant's Forum is being held online.
Wildlife Acoustics Kaleidoscope Pro - online
11th September 2020
A one day interactive online 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.
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.
15th October 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.
16th October 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.
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.
East of England Bat Conference
24th October 2020
The East of England Bat Conference is an opportunity for volunteer and professional bat workers in the East of England to spend time together: updating their knowledge, sharing best practice, developing their skills and catching up on the latest 'bat chat'. The day will include spotlight talks from various bat groups in the region, longer talks on projects or sharing new knowledge and a choice of practical workshops. There will also be plenty of time for catching up with batty friends or making some new batty acquaintances.
7th November 2020
The Midlands Bat Conference is an opportunity for volunteer and professional bat workers in the Midlands to spend time together: updating their knowledge, sharing best practice, developing their skills and catching up on the latest 'bat chat'. The day will include spotlight talks from various bat groups in the region, longer talks on projects or sharing new knowledge and a choice of practical workshops. There will also be plenty of time for catching up with batty friends or making some new batty acquaintances.
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.