An Introduction to British Bats
Thursday 6 March 2008
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire
Participant Standard: Beginner
Tutor(s): Johnny Birks MIEEM
This workshop will provide an introduction to the special challenge of studying and conserving British bats. It will cover roosting and foraging ecology; identification of the British species; legal protection and the role of ecological consultants; field survey techniques (including use of bat detectors and assessing roost potential of buildings and trees). There will also be a daytime field visit to a local bat site.
Further details about the workshop
At a fairly basic level, this workshop will cover :
- An introduction to the British bats and their Roosting and foraging ecology
- Identification of British bats
- Licensing, legislation and the role of ecological consultants
- Techniques for bat survey and assessment of roost potential;
The day will include a visit to a local woodland with bat interest.
Who should attend this workshop?
The workshop is aimed at people with a limited knowledge of bats and bat conservation issues, who wish to acquire an overview of modern bat work in Britain.
Anything participants need to know/read before coming on the training event, or need to have with them?
Bring with you:
- Powerful torch (useful but not essential)
- Walking boots and wet-weather clothing
- FSC/Mammal Society ‘A guide to British bats’ (useful but not essential)
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- Basic approaches to bat activity surveys and roost assessment
- Basic identification of bats in the hand
- How bats behave in Britain
- How and why they are protected species
Programme:
10:00 Workshop start, Health and Safety briefing
10:05 Introduction
10:15 The British bats and their ecology
11:15 Tea/Coffee break
11:30 Methods for detecting and identifying bats
12:00 Licensing and legislation
12:30 Lunch
13:00 Field trip to local wood to consider roosting and foraging ecology, assessment of tree roost potential and other bat conservation issues
15:45 Return to classroom for debrief
16:00 Finish, collect feedback forms and give out CPD certificates
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.