A couple of weeks ago, ecologists from our southern offices gathered at the picturesque Grand Orangery, located within the beautiful Margam Country Park, for an immersive two-day bat training course. The event was expertly led by our experienced bat leads: Paola Reason, Alexandra Ellis, John Daw, Erika Dahlberg, and Tim Clark. Together, they guided participants through a comprehensive program that focused on key aspects of bat ecology, including species identification, survey theory, and the practicalities of conducting bat surveys in the field.
Over the course of the two days, attendees learned how to identify various bat species, with particular attention paid to the techniques needed for accurate fieldwork. The training combined both theoretical learning and practical, hands-on exercises to ensure all participants had a well-rounded understanding of bat ecology and survey methods.
The first evening of the event was particularly exciting, as we were joined by Thermal Vision Ecology (TVE), who delivered a fascinating talk on the use of thermal imaging technology for bat surveys. This provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in the field, helping our ecologists better understand how thermal equipment can enhance their work. After the talk, we immediately put the new knowledge to the test during an early-year emergence survey at a known lesser horseshoe bat maternity roost. We were fortunate to witness three bats emerge, offering our team the rare opportunity to observe this important behavior in action and reinforce the skills learned throughout the training.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to several key contributors who made this training event a success. First and foremost, a huge thank you to our internal team for organising and running the training. Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. We would also like to thank Thermal Vision Ecology for attending and sharing their expertise. Their participation made the event all the more insightful and hands-on. A special thank you goes to Margam Country Park for hosting us in their stunning venue, providing an ideal setting for both theoretical sessions and field-based activities. Finally, we are grateful to our ecology colleagues from Neath Port Talbot Council, who joined us for the day. Their deep knowledge of the site was invaluable, and their willingness to share their expertise helped enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the possibility of running similar training events for our northern teams. The positive feedback from this event has fueled our enthusiasm to continue fostering knowledge-sharing and skill development across our entire ecology team. Stay tuned for more opportunities to join in on this valuable training experience as we continue our commitment to improving our ecological practices and supporting the growth of our dedicated professionals.
We’re already looking forward to future collaborations and hands-on learning opportunities with our teams in other regions. Whether it’s working with the latest technology, gaining insight from local experts, or simply enjoying time in nature, we’re excited to continue building on this success. Here’s to more bat surveys, valuable training, and continued growth in the world of ecological research!