Discover the Nightlife: Guided Bat Walks at Local Nature Reserves
Enjoy a guided walk at dusk around local nature reserves for the chance to get up close and personal with one of nature’s most fascinating nocturnal mammals.
Bats play a vital role in our ecosystems, from pollinating flowers to controlling insect populations. Join these walks to find out more about them and get the opportunity to try out a bat detector and listen to their echo location as they forage for food.
Typically, bat calls are pitched beyond the range of human hearing, but they can be detected and recorded with a bat detector. Each bat species has unique calls influenced by its size, flight behaviour, environment, and prey. Using bat detectors, participants will learn how we can identify different species by listening to or recording their calls for computer sound analysis.
Cllr Terese Swain said: “Our guided bat walks offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a way that few experiences can match. These events are not only a chance to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, but also to learn about the vital role they play in maintaining the balance of our local ecosystems.
“I encourage everyone to take part to deepen their appreciation for our local wildlife, and support our ongoing efforts to protect these important species in Test Valley.”
Walks are run by the council’s countryside officers. Everyone is welcome and the walks are free to attend, but participants will need to pre-register via Eventbrite and children aged under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The locations, dates and links to book are:
Tadburn Meadows - Friday 30 August from 8pm onwards.
Book at: https://bit.ly/batwalktadburn
Harewood Common – Saturday 7 September from 7:45pm onwards.
Book at: https://bit.ly/batwalkharewood
Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve – Friday 20 September from 7pm onwards.
Book at: https://bit.ly/batwalkrooksbury
Anton Lakes Local Nature Reserve – Saturday 21 September from 7pm onwards.
Book at: https://bit.ly/batwalkanton