BatFest
BatFest offers a range of events and activities exploring the world of bats and celebrating these remarkable animals. Whether you are someone who doesn't know a bat from a bird, a family who wants to learn more about the bats you've noticed in your garden or a bat worker with 20+ years experience - you are invited to join the fun!
Many of these events are free to attend. If you are able and would like to make a donation to support our bat conservation work, we (and the bats) would be very grateful.
BatFest events 2023
Sketch-a-bat - 5pm Sunday 1st October
Would you like to learn to draw a bat? Are you a budding nature artist or has it been so long since you sat down to draw, you've forgotten which way up to hold a pencil?! Whatever your artistic skills, everyone is welcome to join artist Maisy Inston for our fun and friendly Sketch-a-bat where we will talk you through how to draw a bat, as well sharing fun facts about bats and their anatomy.
Bat Workers Forum - 7pm Tuesday 3rd October
The Bat Workers Forum (BWF) is an annual meeting held online open to anyone interested in bats, regardless of whether the interest is professional or voluntary and regardless of experience. Click here for more details
Caring for bats over winter - 7pm 10th October 2023
Bat Care Expert Maggie Brown shares her experience as we explore the challenges of caring for bats over winter. Designed for experienced bat carers.
Carry on up the bat roost aka 50 Shades of Grey (long-eared bat)* - 8pm 16 October 2023
- 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.
Wonderful World of Bat Sounds - 6:30pm 19 October
- Explore the wonderful world of bat sounds with BCT's call analysis expert Philip Briggs - Monitoring Manager for the National Bat Monitoring Programme and discover how talented bats are in their use of sound.
- Sponsored by Wildlife Acoustics (watch their video here)
Bat Care for non-bat carers - 7pm Tuesday 24th October
- Tips on what to do if you find a grounded or injured bat, how to keep yourself and the bat safe, emergency first aid and how to get expert help.
- Led by Maggie Brown of the West Yorkshire Bat Hospital
Halloween special - Bats vs Spiders - 6pm Tuesday 31st October 2023
In a special collaboration/competition with BugLife, the two sides will be competing to decide which is best - bats or spiders. Join us to learn more about these mis-understood animals and join in the vote to see who will win in Bats vs Spiders!
Want to develop your creativity further?
Try your hand at some creative writing inspired by bats and enter the Batty Laureate writing competitions (Adult and 6-12 year olds categories). Deadline 9am 7th November 2023. Click here for details
Celebrate someone else's achievements supporting bats by nominating them
- Nominate someone for a unique award as we celebrate a range of people, their skills and the contribution they have made to the world of bats.
- We will also be inducting two significant figures to the BCT Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to bat conservation. Click here for details on how to nominate someone
Wildlife Acoustics - BatFest Co-sponsor
Sponsorship of BatFest Events
We are grateful to our BatFest co-sponsors including Wildlife Acoustics
There are still a number of co-sponsorship opportunities for the different BatFest events, if you'd like to raise the profile of your organisation at one or more of these events, contact Naomi Webster nwebster@bats.org.uk
