In this newsletter we have:
- A report from our free training workshop for the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP).
- The latest update on the grey long-eared project, come get involved in the next trapping!
- A Big Bat Count results write-up.
- Lots of other batty happenings for you to take part in.
- Can you help with..? Requests for help with Somerset events.
- The latest BCT Bat Group Bulletin which includes news of the first EBLV-1 case this year in Wareham, Dorset, and a request from the BCT for help with reference calls from Woodland Bats.
- It’s for our 2023 members to renew their membership.
“Using Your Ears” Bat Detector Workshop Report
Dani organised this highly successful training event, and reports;
“Thank you to everyone who attended the “Using Your Ears” workshop led by Ed Wells. During the session, Ed guided us in listening to both bat and man-made sounds, providing a deeper understanding of acoustics. This knowledge proved invaluable when we ventured into the field to identify different bat species. Ed’s expertise and engaging anecdotes truly brought the course to life.
After the workshop, we visited Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve, where we heard soprano pipistrelles, Daubenton’s bats, and noctules, and even spotted some glow worms!”
Next Grey long-eared Trapping Sessions
trapping sessions
Our next GLE trapping sessions are now planned for two weekends on Exmoor National Trust properties.
- Trapping 3 – Fri 2nd Aug at Dunster Castle & Sat 3rd Aug on Holnicote Estate.
- This session is full
- Radio tracking 3 – IF we catch any GLE, then possible for the following week.
- Trapping 4 – Fri 9th and Sat 10th August 2024, on Exmoor again, depending on results of previous weekend
- A couple of spaces still to be allocated for these nights
- Radio tracking 4 – Possible from Sat 10th right though to Mon 19th Aug, IF we catch any GLE
For details of the latest plan and dates please see the Events page on our website: https://somersetbat.group/events
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
As we are likely to catch mostly other bat species, this will be great experience at bat ID and handling, especially for those planning to apply for licences. It’s likely to be popular so preference will be given to local members who can do some trapping and radio tracking, and we will be in touch with those best placed to help.
If you would like to volunteer to help please email to let us know which if the dates above you can do: somersetbatgroup@gmail.com
More details about the GLE project on our website: https://somersetbat.group/bats/gle
Bat event reports
Fri 12th July – CHARLTON’s BIG BAT COUNT
It was lovely to return to Charlton Mackrell Reading Rooms for our second Big Bat Count there. Thanks to local member Dave for organising.
A partly overcast night saw around 25 people in 6 teams record 84 bat sightings.
- 29 Common Pipistrelle (35%)
- 17 Noctule (20%)
- 15 Serotine (18%)
- 9 Soprano (Pygmy) Pipistrelle (11%)
These and the occasional AutoIDed recordings of Leisler’s, Barbastelle, Lesser Horseshoe, Bechstein’s and Natterer’s will need verification before the results are finalised
This compares to our previous count in late August last year where of the 73 records just over half (51%) were Common Pipistrelle and around a quarter (23%) Soprano (Pygmy) Pipistrelle.
Can you help with…?
The bat group receives far more requests for help than the committee can do. Hence please do let us know if you think you could help out with these recent requests: somersetbatgroup@gmail.com
- Ash Millennium Wood (TA12 6NS, near Martock) are hosting a community event in September. They have asked if we can have a bat stand.
Our next bat group events
There are lots of things planned, so come along and get involved!
- 2nd Aug on – GLE Trapping and possible Radio tracking 3
- August NBMP waterways surveys
- (new) Fri 9th Aug – Beggearn Huish Big Bat Count
- Fri 9th Aug on – GLE Trapping and possible Radio tracking 4
- Sat 10th Aug – Castle Cary Big Bat Count
- Fri 16th Aug – Frome Big Bat Count 2
- Sat 17th Aug – Bridgwater Big Bat Count
- Tue 20th Aug – Wells bat walk
- W’end 30/31st Aug – Kingsdon Big Bat Count
- W’end 30/31st Aug – Lytes Cary Big Bat Count
For details on how to join these events please see the events page on our website: https://somersetbat.group/events
Bat Group Bulletin
Below is the latest BCT Bat Group Bulletin which includes news of the first EBLV-1 case this year in Wareham (Dorset), and a request from the BCT for help with reference calls from Woodland Bats.
All past editions of the Bulletin can be found on this page of our website:
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME
For our 2023 members, their membership of the bat group lapsed at the end of April. Hence there are now 39 people for who it is time to renew their membership.
Please pay your membership subs by BaCs or Paypal then complete our online membership form to update your information. Full details are on our website: https://somersetbat.group/join/