In this message lots of updates from the BCT on upcoming online events, and news about a live broadcast from the Bishops Palace in Wells as part of BatFest.
But first a quick reminder, if you have not already done so, please vote for our own Dave Cottle for the Pete Guest Award 2020. The closing date is 5.30 pm on this Monday the 24th August. To vote by email:
- Please copy and paste the voting reference “PGA-Cottle” into the subject of a new email
- Write your name and bat group (if you are a member of one) only in the main body of email
- Email to: cmorris@bats.org.uk by 5.30 pm on Monday 24th August.
Clicking the email address above, should do most of the work for you. Click here for full details of Dave’s well deserved nomination.
Virtual bat walk from Wells as part of BatFest
As part of this Global Bat Conservation Showcase, BatFest, Dave Cottle will be streaming LIVE from the Bishops Palace in Wells on Sunday 30th August.
Those who follow our Facebook group closely may have seen a short lived test video this week. This proved it is possible to Live stream from the Bishops Palace with nothing more than an iPhone on a 3G connection. Well done to Dave and crew for contending not only with the rain, but also 100+ concert goers exiting the Palace Gatehouse at the same time as the Lessers! Lots of other lessons were learnt from this test including, lighting, how loud the moat sluice is on video and other head turning lessons.
Having proved it is possible with a basic phone, if anyone in the group has more advanced, cameras, mics, connections or lighting, and would like to help on the night, then please get in touch with Dave.
BOOKING DEADLINE FOR NATIONAL BAT CONFERENCE and BATFEST is…
…Tuesday 1st September
The National Bat Conference on 5 & 6 Sept. is the biggest event in the bat calendar – a weekend of exciting talks, workshops and networking. The conference is an opportunity to learn about the new discoveries in the world of bat conservation, catch up with old friends and meet new ones. This year it is being held online but we still have a great programme of talks, workshops and panel discussions as well as new technology to facilitate networking even when we’re apart!
Conference ticket prices (BCT member/non-member). Click here for Conference flyer.
- Weekend ticket (both days) £110/£120
- One day ticket (Saturday or Sunday) £65/£70
- One day talks and discussion panel (no workshop) £40/£45
- One day workshop session (Saturday or Sunday) £25/£30
All tickets also include access to the event app, networking opportunities and the virtual exhibition. We also plan to make recordings of the sessions available to participants after the event. Click here to book your place for the online conference only
BATFEST FINAL REMINDER
BatFest multi-tickets are also available if you would like to attend all of BCT’s events during BatFest – including the National Bat Conference. Click here for the BatFest flyer, showing information on all events.
If you have already booked a conference ticket and would like to upgrade to a BatFest multi-ticket email nwebster@bats.org.uk
Don’t miss the BatFest Launch event with Chris Packham on Saturday 29 August – International Bat Night.
Any questions please email Naomi Webster at nwebster@bats.org.uk
With best wishes,
Colin Morris, BCT Bat Groups Officer
Bats in Churches upcoming training and events
Despite a late start, we’ve been able to open the Bats in Churches Study, and the survey season is nearing a close, and runs until the end of August. We’ll continue to run the surveys for another two summers (June-August). Thank you for your support with the project and to the 13 volunteers signed up in Somerset– we really appreciate this!
The Bats in Churches Project has been trying hard to navigate a difficult period. We have however embraced the online world where possible this year, with webinars on bat and church related topics. The Bats in Churches LIVE webinars will be back in the autumn, so please let me know if there are any particular bat or church topics you’d be interested in.
In addition to the attached newsletter I wanted to highlight a few upcoming events and training sessions.
- 25th August – Train the Trainer **Please do get in touch if you’re interested but are unable to make this date**
An online session (10:00-15:00) to provide you with the tools to deliver NBMP Roost Count training, with a church focus.
Could you help us to provide training for new bat survey volunteers, to give them confidence in undertaking Roost Counts and using bat detectors? If you’re interested in sharing your batty knowledge, please do get in touch with me (Claire Boothby cboothby@bats.org.uk).
If you do not like the idea of leading formal training sessions, but would enjoy walking through the process of a Roost Count on a more informal basis, with local church representatives who want to learn more about monitoring their own roosts, please do let me know.
To register: https://batsinchurches.org.uk/events/virtual-bat-nights/
- 13th October – Telling Stories: An Easy Guide to Interpretation
Are you thinking of making a new leaflet, guidebook or simply telling your local bat story? This is a short online session to give you top tips on how create and write all kinds of exciting interpretation.
To register: https://batsinchurches.org.uk/events/bats-in-churches-engagement-training/
- 20th October – An Easy Guide to Event Planning
If you’re organising events to promote the group and the plight of bats, this short online session could give you some top tips. We will cover all the basics of event planning, for any size of event from a few people to a few thousand!
To register: https://batsinchurches.org.uk/events/bats-in-churches-engagement-training/
- Volunteer Bat Roost Visitor Church Training postponed until May 2021.
Unfortunately, we’ve had to postpone our church specific VBRV training until early in 2021. All VBRVs who registered will receive updated date and venue details soon.
If you’re concerned about a church that is struggling with their bats, particularly after lockdown, please do suggest that they get in contact with us, and we’ll do our best to offer support. We’ve had a lot of queries regarding cleaning of churches recently and we’ve produced a post-lockdown cleaning guide, which we hope will be helpful.
Thank you again for your support and I hope you are able to join us at one of the online sessions.
Best wishes,
Claire Boothby,
Training and Survey Officer, Bats in Churches Project
Bat workers forum – 22/9/20
Just to let you know we’re holding Bat Workers Forum on Tuesday the 22nd September 2020, 1900 – 2030. Unfortunately, we’ll not be meeting in-person this year, but we still hope you’ll be able to attend and participate, using Zoom.
Please click on this link to register your interest in attending: https://bats.sym-online.com/registrationforms/batworkersforum2020/. I will send you the Zoom meeting details, Agenda, and Minutes of last year’s meeting in due course.
I look forward to seeing you soon. With best wishes,
Colin Morris, BCT Bat Groups Officer