Hello Bat Group Members
The days are getting longer, and thoughts are turning batty. Hence its great to be able to give you more information on Bat Group projects for 2020!
Mells Valley SAC Bat Landscape Survey 2020-21
Firstly the great news is that Hanson UK have agreed to fully fund this project for its initial two years. A big THANK YOU to them!
This means that there will be lots of opportunities to help survey the bats of the Mells Valley SAC using new low cost static recorders.
The project launches with two public talks and walks in April/May to introduce local residents to this project. Dates TBC. Bat group help and volunteers very welcome contact Andy for details.
The main surveys then start on 4th May and run until 27th Sept 2020.
Radio Tracking Bechstein’s – “finding its limit” project
Plans for this back from the brink joint project with Dorset Bat Group are coming together:
- Radio tracking will be near Langport for the week commencing 27th July 2020.
- Lots of volunteer surveyor help will be required, from members willing to stay up for one or two nights during the weeks tracking.
- There will be a full day classroom training session held a few weeks before for surveyors.
More details, and how to volunteer to be published nearer the date. Our Chair Paul says “It’s gonna be aaaammmaaaazing!”
PS – Late breaking radio tracking update – this week we are just starting discussion about another potential Radio Tracking project in 2020, this time in the Mendips. More details in next email if this comes together
Bat Group Membership for 2020/21
Group membership ends at the AGM on 25th April 2020, so now is a great time to renew for 2020/21. Full details on our website: https://somersetbat.group/join/
Quick Updates and dates for diary
- Somerset Bat Group AGM – Sat 25th April 2020 @ 1:30PM – Othery Village Hall, TA7 0QS
- Our EasyFundraising account has already raised almost £20 for the group. Find out how you can help, at no cost to you.
- The Group now accepts Paypal for membership subs
(as Paypal charge us a small fee, we have split the difference and charge £5.27 for renewals via Paypal) - The group has a new Lloyds bank account. Please delete any previous Santander standing orders, or saved payment details you have.
Bat Conservation Trust Updates
- Latest BCT Bulletin – 28th February 2020 #175 – Includes Bat Survey Guidelines Consultation, and details of Coronavirus and bats.
- Bat Monitoring Post February 2020 – The Newsletter for National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP), includes a National Nathusius Pipistrelle Project Update.
Its shaping up to be a busy year!