Last month, a group of our Ecologists took part in an immersive two-day bat identification and handling training, exploring the caves of the Mendips and getting hands-on experience with a variety of bat species.
On the first day, the team set up a harp trap outside Reads Cavern, a prime location for bat activity. Their efforts were rewarded when they captured 18 bats — 17 Lesser Horseshoe Bats and 1 Daubenton’s Bat. The experience was both exciting and educational, providing valuable insight into the nuances of bat trapping and identification.
Robert Regan, one of the participating ecologists, commented: “Although we were caught in a downpour on the second night and ended up drenched, spirits stayed high. The experience reinforced our commitment to practical learning, and we will definitely carry the lessons learned into our work as consultants.”
Day two began with an informative seminar on bat species identification, followed by a hands-on session in Great Breach Wood. The team inspected bat boxes, where they discovered 35 bats across three species: 17 Natterer’s Bats, 16 Soprano Pipistrelles, and 2 Common Pipistrelles.
In the evening, the team set up a harp trap outside Goatchurch Cavern, capturing 2 more bats, 1 Daubenton’s Bat and 1 Natterer’s Bat. The weekend provided invaluable fieldwork experience, reinforcing our team’s expertise in bat conservation and ecological consulting.
This training is part of our ongoing commitment to developing the skills of our ecologists and enhancing the quality of service we provide to our clients. By combining theory with hands-on practice, we continue to lead the way in environmental consultancy.