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Celebrate European Bat Weekend

Common PipistrellePeople from across the UK can enjoy a host of special batty events taking place to celebrate European Bat Weekend (30-31 August).

The weekend is organised by the Bat Conservation Trust, with support from Defra, in an effort to help people understand more about these curious mammals.

In the UK, our 17 species of bats and their roosts are protected by law as a result of a rapid decline in numbers during the last century. Development, modern agriculture, pesticides and public misconceptions have all contributed to their decline. Bats make up almost a third of mammal species in the UK and are indicators of a healthy environment.

Minister for Rural Affairs, Jonathan Shaw said:

“The importance of bats as a group species and as an indicator of the health of the rest of our wildlife is not always recognised, which is why the Bat Conservation Trust’s work to raise the profile of these unique animals is so valuable.”

Dozens of bat walks and talks have been arranged by local bat groups, wildlife trusts, countryside rangers and other organisations up and down the country to bring people a little closer to bats and to celebrate the contribution bats make to biodiversity in the UK.

Those taking part in the bat walks will be using devices called ‘bat detectors' which enable people to hear bats as they fly by. Bats use a sonar sense called echolocation to find their way around at night. With bat detectors, we can tune into the sounds they make and determine what species of bat are present.

To find a batty event in your area, visit the interactive events guide on the Bat Conservation Trust website.

Page published: 29 August 2008