Workshops
In-person workshops
As usual there will be two workshop sessions during the conference, one on Saturday afternoon and one on Sunday morning. In person delegates can select their preferred workshop at booking - we recommend booking early for the full selection as some workshops have limited capacity.
Saturday afternoon workshops:
- Introduction to Sound Analysis - Philip Briggs, BCT
An opportunity for beginners to learn the basics of analysing bat calls using call analysis software programmes
- Noises Off - Paola Reason
Noise is difficult and confusing: what should be measured; how do you then interpret your findings? This workshop will take you through some common situations that generate noise and consider the factors that need to be considered that might make noise disturbance.
- Bats and large-scale housing maintenance projects: Sheffield case study - Daniel Best
One of the co-authors of the Bats and Large-Scale Housing Maintenance Projects Guidance for England, shares details from the Sheffield case study and leads a discussion of the challenges of similar projects
Guiding the Guidelines: consulting on the 3rd edition of the Bat Care Guidelines - Rosa Knight and Charley Bird, BCT
The 3rd edition of the Bat Care Guidelines is on the horizon and your input is essential. Join this collaborative session to share your experiences and suggest improvements that will benefit carers and bats nationwide.
- Drafting best practice advice on using an endoscope and training others to use endoscopes - Sonia Reveley + TBC
This discussion workshop will collate best practice advice and tips on using an endoscope to survey bats and the best ways to train others to use endoscopes.
- Social Calls & Confusing Non-Bat Sounds - Neil Middleton, BatAbility
Neil Middleton shares the secrets of bats' social calls as well as how to recognise some of the confusing non-bats sounds that appear on recordings
- Horseshoe bats - enhancing roosts for horseshoe bats - Daniel Hargreaves, VWT
This workshop explains the roosting needs of horseshoe bats and uses case studies to share tips for enhancing roosts to benefit horseshoe bats
- Efficiency and Effectiveness - how to get things done - Lisa Worledge, BCT
BCT's Director of Conservation shares tips and tricks to help us all become more efficient and effective in planning and organising our activities - useful for organising activities professionally, for your bat group or personally.
Sunday morning workshops:
- Producing infographics to share bat-related messages - Juliet Maxted, BCT
Juliet will share advice and tips on how to turn data or other information into eye-catching and engaging infographics you can include in resources for the general public or use in reports for clients.
- Wildlife Acoustics SMART System – a Case Study from Southern England - Paul Howden-Leach, Wildlife Acoustics
In this workshop we will look at data obtained from the SMART System at a wind turbine in southern England. We will compare different types of curtailment, and assess active curtailment using the SMART as a means of protecting bats at wind turbines. To end, there will be a live demonstration of the SMART System in operation.
- Thermal Vision for Ecologists - Andy Milner and Jethro Block
Explore how FLIR thermal imaging technology is enhancing bat surveys. Our thermal imaging expert, Andrew Milner, will walk you through the powerful, time-saving, accuracy-improving features of our Thermal Ecology Kit such as;
- Automated Emergence Detection (even on hot evenings) and flight path tracking. Huge time savers!
- How to set up the cameras, including FOV considerations, effective ranges, and the tech supplied with the kit.
- Cost-effective and flexible hire plans.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have a clear understanding of how the Thermal Vision Ecology Kit can benefit your in-field surveys and how to apply it effectively.
- Advanced sound analysis - Philip Briggs, BCT
This workshop is open to all and will look at the theory of signal processing, tips on making more precise measurements when analysing bat sounds, and species identification including some more unusual/challenging calls. Techniques will be demonstrated in both BatSound and Kaleidoscope. Although some knowledge of sound analysis is helpful this workshop will also have information included for beginners.
- Endoscope practice - Sonia Reveley, BCT
An informal opportunity for people to network and share information about the endoscopes they are using and their pros and cons. In addition, try out different endoscopes and practice your endoscoping skills. Bring your own endoscope along.
- Developing your professional judgement to use bat surveying guidelines as guidelines - Chris Damant, Pell Frischmann
Chris shares advice and case studies to demonstrate how he applies his professional judgement to use the 4th edition guidelines as guidelines (not a specification) with opportunities for discussions and Q&A
- Species spotlight - Lesser horseshoe bats: current projects and future knowledge - Daniel Hargreaves, VWT
Daniel Hargreaves shares his expertise on the lesser horseshoe bats and details of current projects as well as a discussion on future knowledge to further understand this species and its needs.
- Using cameras for long-term surveys of trees - Jim Mullholland and Sam Davis
We will share our experience using cameras to survey trees for bats. The workshop will cover off-the-shelf trail cameras and custom built cameras.
- The Woodland Writer’s Studio: Creative Writing for Bat Enthusiasts - Dr Briony Hughes, Royal Holloway University
This guided walk and creative writing workshop invites you to pay close attention to our surrounding ecosystems through poetry and art.
We will engage in unique and hands-on writing exercises whilst paying close attention to the textures, rhythms, and movements of the natural world.
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