Bat Tracking Methodologies Conference

The Bat Tracking Methodologies Conference is an opportunity for bat tracking practitioners to share their methods, experience and knowledge of bat tracking and how the data is analysed and presented, with the aim of collating information and insights to improve our understanding of best practice when tracking bats and presenting the results. We will include items on radio-tracking, GPS tracking, MOTUS and other tracking technologies and are also interested in where the technologies are going in the future.

The conference will be held at the University of Warwick and sponsored by Lotek and Pathtrack . There will be an icebreaker activity organised by Lotek as well as dinner and networking on Friday evening followed by a weekend of talks, discussion and networking. To encourage as much interaction and discussion as possible, this event is only being held in-person. There will be a follow-up virtual event held next year when the collated insights from the conference will be shared.

Booking now open!

NB Booking closes 23rd October 2024!

We are delighted that our Keynote Speaker will be Professor Fiona Matthews, University of Sussex.

We have a great range of speakers lined up including the conference co-sponsors Lotek and Pathtrack who will share technology tips and advice when using their products.

There will also be a panel discussion on ethics relating to tracking methodologies chaired by BCT's Director of Conservation Lisa Worledge. Panellists will include Colleen Hope, Ian Davidson-Watts, Daniel Hargeaves

Friday

Evening arrival with networking and icebreaker activity organised by Lotek - similar to a scavenger hunt but with an opportunity to practice using their tracking technology. Dinner will be from 18:30, icebreaker from 19:00 and the bar will be open until 23:00.

Saturday

Registration from 08:45

09:30 - Welcome and housekeeping notices followed by the keynote talk

There will be 4 talks sessions during the day with additional time for discussion. Talks will include:

• Wildlife drones: innovative technology for radio-tracking up to 40 bats simultaneously - Paul Sinclair

• Industry Insights: Understanding GPS, VHF, and Satellite Tracking Technologies for Bat Conservation - Sarah Deans, Lotek

• Adventures in radio-tracking - Keith Cohen

• Before, During & After - James Aegeter
• Fit For Purpose: techniques to improve data collection and bat welfare in radio-tracking studies - Charlotte Packman
• Locating bats when 'standard' techniques can't be used - Nick Tomlinson
• Tips on GPS tracking and kit - Pathtrack
• A case study for implementation of novel remote automated radio-tracking on monitoring projects and how else it can be used - Charlotte Wevill and Chris Kerfoot
  
• Disco bats and glittery poo - James Shipman

Talks will finish approx. 17:30

There will be free time for discussion, networking or quiet time if you prefer.

19:00 - Dinner and the bar will be open until 23:00.

Sunday

09:30 - Welcome followed by the panel discussion exploring the ethical considerations of trapping and tracking bats

There will be additional talks and discussion time. Talks will include:

• tRackIT systems - Jannis Gottwald
  
• Using MOTUS telemetry to study migratory behaviour of Nathusius' pipistrelle - Jane Harris
• Too cold to wake up? Uncovering the winter foraging activity of the greater horseshoe bat using a novel radio-tracking technique - Katie Allan
• and more

Conference will close approx. 16:15

Address: Ramphal Building, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

The conference itself will be held in the Ramphal Building at the University of Warwick. Accommodation on site will be in the Radcliffe Training and Conference Centre over the road on campus.

Click here for campus map

• Weekend ticket (including dinner on Saturday night as well as lunch and refreshments on both Saturday and Sunday) £148
• Weekend ticket with Saturday night B&B in the training centre (plus dinner on Saturday night as well as lunch and refreshments on both Saturday and Sunday) £228
• Weekend ticket with Friday and Saturday night B&B in the training centre (plus dinner on Friday and Saturday night as well as lunch and refreshments on both Saturday and Sunday) £337

BCT members receive £5 discount.

There are also double rooms available for couples. Book both tickets together and enter promo code Room-share24 and the price should reduce by £58 for Saturday night dinner, B&B or by £116 for both nights.

To encourage as much interaction and discussion as possible, this event is only being held in-person. There will be a follow-up virtual event held in Spring next year when the collated insights from the conference will be shared including virtual masterclasses.

Register your interest in this online event here

Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities

We are delighted that Lotek and Pathtrack will be sponsoring the Bat Tracking Methodologies Conference. If you would be interested in having an exhibition stand, please get in touch with Naomi nwebster@bats.org.uk

Please note there will be limited spaces available so we encourage early booking!