Please vote for Edward and Helen Wells in the Pete Guest Award

To celebrate and recognise the immense contribution that Helen and Ed Wells have made to bat conservation in Somerset over many years we have nominated them for the Pete Guest Award 2021.

Bechstein’s radio tracking and latest bat group bulletin – 30June21

In this message we have: - A update on Bechstein’s radio tracking in Somerset - The latest Bat Group bulletin which includes an update on guidance for Bat carers, but not for bat groups yet

Asham old void quarry - as far as you can see to be filled into the ridge treetop level.

Updated SBG response to SCC Westdown Quarry expansion consultation – 30th June 2021

The group was not consulted by Somerset County Council on this application, details of which can be found on their website: https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC%2F3795%2F2021  https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC%2F3837%2F2021%2FIDO  https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC%2F3838%2F2021%2FROMP  https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC%2F3836%2F2021%2FIDO   We had been invited to reply to Hanson consultation in December 2020, and our reply is published here: https://somersetbat.group/2020/12/04/response-westdown-quarry-expansion/ This text was also copied into our 29/6/21 comments Our reply to SCC consultation … Continue reading Updated SBG response to SCC Westdown Quarry expansion consultation – 30th June 2021

We need your help – Greater Horseshoe radio tracking and Bat events

In this message we have: - A request for help from UWE with Greater Horseshoe radio tracking in Somerset. - Could you help out your Bat group by leading some Bat Walks? - Details of changes to the National Bat Helpline

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Pete Guest Award and Bat Workers Forum 2021

Details of Pete Guest Award, Bat Workers Forum 2021 and National Bat Conference 2021

SBG news 29May21

In this message we have news of: - A delay to the updated guidance to bat groups - A reminder that NE licensed bat workers need to return their annual report soon - Vacancies on the BCT Board of Trustees - An update below on 2021 membership renewals. - The latest BCT Bat group Bulletin, which includes details of the annual NBMP report

AGM 2021 minutes, Membership renewals and latest BCT bulletin

In this message we have: Details of our recent Zoom AGM, including the minutes An update below on 2021 membership renewals. The latest BCT Bat group Bulletin, which includes news that updated guidance for Bat Groups from the IUCN and BCT, may be with us as early as May.

Take part in our 2021 AGM, and latest bat bulletin

We would like to invite all members to join us on Zoom for our 2021 AGM

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Booking now open for South West Regional Conference

Booking is now open for the South West of England Bat Conference

Update on National Bat Helpline – Handling of Bat Care Related Calls Summer 2021 – Special Edition Bat Group Bulletin

This update is to share our thinking about how we will have to change the way the Helpline operates, specifically around the handling of bat care related enquiries. Building on the success of the Out of Hours service (which has been running every year since it was first piloted in 2004), we will be making greater use of volunteers on the Helpline this summer.