Advanced Bat Survey Techniques
21st August 2019
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.
Introductory Bat Detector Workshop
30th August 2019
Come on an evening of discovery into the noisy nocturnal world of bats with the Bat Conservation Trust and Cairngorms Nature. This introductory bat detector workshop involves an evening classroom session followed by a practical field session from around dusk in local woodlands. The focus will be on pipistrelle, noctule and Daubenton bats. Bat sounds are broken down into four elements in order to train your sonic memory to aid identification, using a heterodyne bat detector, when out in the field.
15th October 2019
This one day course builds on participants' existing knowledge and provides an understanding of trees and the techniques needed to survey them for bats effectively. The course combines theoretical classroom sessions with a practical exercise outside. Course content includes: - Legislation regarding trees and bat roosts - Use of trees by bats - Survey methodologies - H&S requirements for safe tree surveys - How to recognise signs of bat usage in trees - Evaluate potential tree roosts - An initial tree survey for bat roosts and use of appropriate survey equipment Prior knowledge: Please note that this is not a basic level course. It is assumed that participants will have attended Bat Ecology and Conservation, Surveying for Bats and Interpreting Your Bat Surveys, or have the equivalent skills and knowledge. Professional Training Standards met by course: Foundation Knowledge 1.5, Legislation, Licensing & Planning: 2.2 & 2.4, Preparation & Planning of Surveys 3.1-3.2, Survey Techniques & Equipment 4.3, Mitigating for Developmental Impacts 7.1-7.2
26th October 2019
QGIS is a freely available Geographic Information System (GIS) software package that can prove invaluable for bat groups and particularly Bat Group Recorders. This one-day hands-on workshop will provide an introduction to what the software can offer and how to use it, enabling bat groups to more effectively identify what they know and where they need to go to get more data.
Introduction to Bats and Bat Survey
6th November 2019
This course will provide a look at the primary legislation in relation to bats (focused on Scotland), important bat identification features and key aspects of bat ecology. A range of roost types for different species will be discussed and pointers will be given on what to look out for in roost identification. Key bat survey requirements and methods will be reviewed, to allow delegates to gain a greater understanding of required methods in relation to current good practice guidance.
7th November 2019
The course will look at how and when to apply for a bat development licence (Scotland), writing a Species Protection Plan, potential impacts to bats and mitigation and compensation options. Various development types will be considered including buildings, new roads and wind farms. There will be examples of case studies and participants will be encouraged to take part in group discussion with their own examples.
13th November 2019
This one day course is for anyone wanting to improve their skills in recognising and reporting wildlife crime or when acting as a witness. This course is part of the Bearing Witness for Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Crime Project. The project recognises that wildlife crime is currently not always recorded, investigated or prosecuted effectively and this training course will help us to start addressing this need. Course content includes: - Recognising wildlife crime - Reporting wildlife crime - Assisting police investigations - Acting as a witness of fact and an expert witness – what to expect during police investigations and in court - Conservation impact statements - Wildlife crime sentencing and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Bats for Building Professionals
21st November 2019
This awareness course is aimed at anyone who is responsible for buildings and their renovation/development/maintenance, and those who carry out such work, including builders, surveyors, architects and pest controllers. This course will ensure that participants are aware of their responsibilities with regard to bats and are able to recognise the basic signs of potential roosts.