Download a copy of this safety briefing as a printable PDF
We really hope you enjoy taking part in the Big Bat Count Taunton. Following these simple guidelines will ensure this remains a safe experience for everyone.
In case of any questions or problems contact the SBG count organiser Andy Avery on 07483 244074
A safe team
- A team should consist of between 2 and 6 adults who already know each other.
- Children over 5 are welcome. Each child should be accompanied by a responsible adult, to ensure all children are safe at all times.
- Make sure all the team’s phones are fully charged.
- You are responsible for your own safety.
On the survey
- Always stay on land with public access; roads, footpaths, parks etc. Never enter private land.
- Try to stay in areas you are familiar with, and avoid any dangerous spots such as railways or river banks.
- At least one member (ideally 2) of the group to wear the supplied “BAT Survey” Hi-Vis vests
- When walking off the footpath, on a roadway, illuminate the group with torches/phones on approaching traffic.
- Do not leave your designated survey area, apart from travelling to and from the area
- Finish the survey immediately if there is a heavy storm, high winds or the temperature falls below 6°c.
- If any members of the public show an interest in what’s happening, please be friendly and explain about the Big Bat Count.
- If concerned in any way, walk away from any threat as a group.
- If an incident escalates, contact the police by calling 999 to report emergencies, or by calling 101 for non-emergencies.
- Have to hand the police reference number for the event; AS-20220713-0604
- Avoid contact with animals and their droppings.
- Each person to only hold one device, so everyone has a hand free. Head torches can be very useful.
- Wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the area & weather.
- Abide by any local or national restrictions for infection and disease control.
At the end of the survey
- You MUST return to the SWT HQ at the end of your survey, to confirm that all members of your team are safe, and to return the borrowed kit.
- If you are unable to return to the central base, for whatever reason, you must contact the count organiser on the above number immediately.
After the survey
- If your team has been walking in close proximity to long grass or bracken, ask all members of your team to check their bodies for ticks. If a tick is found and they contract flu-like symptoms, inform the doctor that you may have been exposed to Lyme’s disease.
For more information please consult the SBG Risk Assessment for Big Bat Counts