Bats are fascinating animals to study, but very elusive. This beginner-intermediate course will explore the world of bats in woodlands and demonstrate special techniques required to survey and study them in these key habitats.
Woodlands are the most important habitats for bat conservation, but they are also greatly diminished and under continuing pressure from development. This course will describe and demonstrate the methods used to survey and study bats at woodland sites.
This course will cover:
- Introduction and practical demonstration of survey techniques including acoustic monitoring, capture with harp traps, mist nets, and acoustic lures
- Identifying bats in the hand (capture of bats cannot be guaranteed!)
- A review of the status of British bats
- The importance of woodland habitats for bat conservation
Read More
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a better understanding of the conservation status of bats in the UK
- Understand the importance of surveying bats in woodlands
- Understand the difficulties of surveying bats in woodland and some of the techniques used to overcome them
Who Should Attend? – The course is suited to anyone with an interest in bats and their conservation, including students, ecological consultants at all career levels, arborists, and complete beginners.
Knowledge Level – Beginner-Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge – Some prior knowledge or experience of bats is an asset, but not a requirement.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation, refreshments, or meal facilities included in the price of this course. However, accommodation may be available to purchase depending on where your course is being held – please refer to the specific course dates and locations below for more detail.
If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
About the Tutor
David Hill
David taught ecology and conservation at the University of Sussex for 15 years before joining the Wildlife Research Center of Kyoto University in Japan. He has been studying and surveying bats for over 25 years and has extensive experience with a range of advanced techniques. He was instrumental in developing the Autobat acoustic lure, and has used it in all of his research and survey work on elusive bat species in England and Japan. David has also tested the Autobat’s effectiveness with the bat fauna of many other countries, including Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.
- Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 7:00pm on the Friday evening
- The course will end at 4:00pm
Each night you will walk from the Centre to the field sites, spend about three hours there, and then walk back. This will involve a few kilometres of walking, some of it on rough terrain inside woodland - moderate levels of fitness and mobility are required.
Day 1
7:00pm
Introductions and classroom session covering:
Methods for identifying bats in the hand
8:00pm
Field demonstration – Setting harp traps and manually recording bat activity
*Please note - accommodation and an evening meal is not included in the price of this course.
Day 2
11:00am
Classroom session covering:
Bat conservation in the UK and beyond: the need for advanced techniques.
Introduction to acoustic monitoring and species identification: potential and limitations.
12:00pm
Lunch – not included
1:00pm
Classroom session covering:
Acoustic lures: development and applications
2:00pm
Rest period (in preparation for night work) – refreshments and evening meal not included
7:00pm
Field demonstration:
Setting harp traps and manually recording bat activity.
Getting data from bats in the hand: Recording species, sex, age-class and release calls.
*Please note - accommodation and an evening meal is not included in the price of this course.
Day 3
11:00am
Classroom session covering:
Applications of radio-tracking for studying and surveying bats.
Acoustic analysis of full-spectrum recordings of bat calls
12:00pm
Lunch – not included
1:00pm
Group discussion - advantages and limitations of acoustic analysis vs capture
3:00pm
Recap and final questions
4:00pm
End of course
*Please note - accommodation and an evening meal is not included in the price of this course.
*Accommodation may be available to purchase - please refer to the specific course dates and locations below for details.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition
What’s included?
The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The course includes:
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the FSC is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
Bursaries and Subsidies
Student Discount
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.
Natural History Bursaries
There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.
Before You Attend
What to bring:
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Small bag to carry personal items
If you have them:
- Headtorch (preferably one with a red light setting)
- Bat detector
There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.
Opportunities to attend this course
Fri 11, August 2023 19:00 - Sun 13, August 2023 16:00
If you would like to book accommodation, lunch and an evening meal at the Slapton Ley Field Centre, please email: [email protected].
Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our courses please check our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses. Find out more!
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.