Two quick updates this month, the BCT have just sent us details of the virtual 2021 SW Regional Bat Conference and the latest Bat Group Bulletin.
Whilst writing we would like to send the greetings of the season to all members, with hopes for a safe and batty 2021!
2021 South West Bat Conference
“Dear South West Bat Group member,
I am delighted to be getting in touch about the 2021 South West Bat Conference.
The conference is due to take place on Saturday 17th April 2021. As the interim Bat Groups Admin Officer I will be supporting the new Bat Groups Officer, Naomi and Lisa in organising the event.
With the continued uncertainty around COVID-19 we will be hosting all of our spring 2021 events online, including this conference. Tickets will cost £25 for BCT members and £30 for non-members.
Bookings will open in January but you could buy a gift voucher as a Christmas present for yourself or a batty loved one to use against this event (or other BCT conferences) see: https://www.bats.org.uk/support-bats/gifts/gifts-1-5-1. Do keep an eye out on the event web page, as we’ll add more details there as the programme takes shape: https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/conferences-symposia/english-regional-bat-conferences/south-west-of-england-bat-conference.
Based on feedback from previous regional conferences we would like to change the structure of the day and offer two workshops, rather than the usual one, alongside a range of interesting talks across two presentation sessions (including the opportunity for bat group spotlight sessions as normal). This means that the conference will be slightly longer than usual but without any travel time we thought that we could squeeze in as much bat information as possible! The plan is that the conference will run from 9:45am – 5:30pm on 17th April.
If your bat group would be interested in doing a 5 minute spotlight update or if you or anyone you know would be interested in giving a workshop session or a longer presentation please email batgroups@bats.org.uk or nwebster@bats.org.uk.
Please also do get in touch if you have any questions about this event.
I look forward to hearing from you and virtually-meeting you at the South West Bat Conference, if not before.
Best wishes,
Sophie
Sophie Dennis (she/her)
Bat Groups Admin Officer”
Bat Group Bulletin
Included this month are a plea for help with the BCT helpline, and information on the important Earned Recognition Project Consultation.