In this Somerset Bat Group Newsletter we have:
- An update on Bat Crime in Somerset at Orchardleigh and Frome
- It is time to help the National Bat Helpline!
- Bat Group talks online over the winter.
- The Bat Group would like to offer thanks to…
- BatChat podcast is back, don’t miss the Pipistrelle detector episode this week, and Somerset grey long-eared next week.
- The latest BCT Bat Group Bulletin includes an update on Bat Earned Recognition.
Somerset bat Crime Update
Orchardleigh Estate
Now this case is resolved we can finally report the details of this crime.
In July 2023 the Bat group and Police received a tip off from an ex employee at Orchardleigh house near Frome. They had shot a video in 2023 showing the cellars in the process of conversion to a spa, with several Lesser Horseshoes clearly shown flying around in the new studwork. The house is a major roost that has been monitored over the past 28 years under the National Bat Monitoring Programme.
Following the tipoff in July 2023, the Police wildlife crimes officer liaised with NE, BCT and the Bat Group. It quickly became clear no consents were in place, and a multi agency investigation followed as there were also issues with planning, building control and listed building consent. All work on site was immediately closed down.
In June 2024 the site owner C.Vincent, and builders D.Withey and C.Reid, entered guilty pleas to the crime of “Damage/destroy a breeding site/resting place of a wild animal of a European Protected Species”. They were recently given a suspended sentence for this crime, which means they all now have criminal records.
The Bat Group would like to formally thank the ex-employee for coming forward, and also Geoff and Adel from the Bat Group committee, who undertook bat surveys for the Police, and gave statements as expert witnesses.
Community Resolution donation
In an unrelated case, this week the Frome Neighbourhood Policing Team passed on a £200 donation to the Bat group. This was in relation to “a Community Resolution after an offender disturbed a Bat roost“. The officer went on to add “It was a Residential Homeowner, not intentional and they have installed extra Bat Boxes and special roof tiles, and the Bats are still there which is nice to know.“
The Bat Group would like to thank the Police for their prompt handling of this.
It’s time to help the helpline!
The BCT’s national Bat Helpline, plays a vital role in Bat Conservation. Every year they help around 10,000 people, and thousands of bats. Their Big Give donation appeal is coming up and the Bat Group will be supporting it, however we would encourage all members who can, to also support the appeal. Details below:
“We are delighted to be part of the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge! For one week starting at midday on 3 December and until the 10 December (midday), every donation up to £5,000 will be doubled, thanks to The Reed Foundation and our pledgers. This means we could raise £10K; all donations we raise will go to the National Bat Helpline, our flagship service for the protection of bats.”
Bat Group Winter Talks
Our thanks to committee member Dani for organising these talks.
7PM Thu 23 Jan ’25 – Connecting People and Landscapes – Bechstein’s and Bat Care
In the face of climate change, we need landscape-scale changes and evidence-based research to protect our mammal species. Simeon Johnson and Beth Gillie will be talking about their work on Bechstein’s Bats and Bat Care Records, and how they can help us understand climate change.
7PM Thu 27 Feb ’25 – Disco Bats and Glittery Poo
James Shipman will be talking about monitoring the populations of soprano pipistrelles over the last 10+ years in West Berkshire using UV powder.
He may also mention his newly released book – “Identifying bats of Britain and Ireland“
Full details of how to join both on the website: https://somersetbat.group/events/
Bat Group Thanks
The Bat Group would like to give many thanks to:
- Annabel wrote us a lovely letter. She is 8 and goes to local Brownies. As part of her charity badge she raised a massive £80.15 for the Bat Group by doing a sponsored spelling test. Thank you Annabel!
- Our thanks also to Magenta Electronics. We returned one of our Mk5 Bat Detectors to them for repair of the volume settings. They replied: “The volume control was a simple fix, but upon investigation the battery holder was rusted on the bottom spring, it still worked, but in time would have most likely rusted more and failed. Also the display was becoming pixelated so we put on a new display also. All covered under our standard £10 repair charge.” GREAT service from Magenta! Thank you.
BatChat Podcast is back!
BatChat is the award-winning podcast from the Bat Conservation Trust, and is back for a new season. Essential listening for all us batty folks, and next week’s episode was recorded in Somerset on our grey long-eared project. Listen here:
Other Somerset Episodes about the Frome Big Bat Count, and History of the Somerset Bat group may go out next year/season.
This week’s BatChat podcast is well worth a listen. Phil Atkins from Wilts talking about his incredible Pipistrelle Bat Detectors.
Hetrodyne and time expansion (x16), full spectrum recording, frequency feedback via speech. There are several versions, including an Audiomoth-like version, and a USB mic for iPhone. All self-build, for £20 or less, or £40 professionally made. Details : https://www.pippyg.com/
Our Treasurer Andy said; “I’ve been chatting to Phil, and am in the process of making sets of the Minis, π•pistrelle, PipPyg, and also some USB Mics for the group, so expect to see them on a Bat Count or Walk sometime soon! Sneak preview in photo”
Bat Group Bulletin
This month’s BCT Bat Group Bulletin includes news of next application window for Bat Earned Recognition, which is opening soon:
You can see all past bulletins on our website: