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.
Introduction to Anabat Insight (online)
9th June 2020
Developed by Titley Scientific as an opportunity for bat workers to learn more about Anabat Insight, the course will enable them to develop their knowledge of Anabat Insight, learn to use the software and pick up hints and tips on how to get the most from it.
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
Join us on 17 September 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.
Advanced Bat Survey Techniques
23rd September 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.
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.