Somerset Bat Group was formed in 1985 to help protect bats in the county of Somerset, UK
In this bat group newsletter, we have: - A bumper set of reports from all the batty events held recently. - Details of the bat group events coming up soon. - The latest edition of the Bat Group bulletin includes news of the publication of the latest NBMP report, and news of the EU retained law bill. - Welcome to our new Lifetime members of the Bat Group
In this February bat group newsletter, we have: - We're coming out of hibernation, lots of events coming up. - Rescheduled to 18th March, an online talk on Greater Horseshoes in Somerset. - The latest bat group bulletin, - Come along to our AGM – Sat 22nd April at Otherly Village hall and Zoom - We still need you on the bat group committee! The Secretary role is currently vacant
In this message we have: - Information on NBMP hibernation surveys happening this winter - Exciting news; the bat group was nominated for an award! - An update on the national database of bat ring numbers - The last seasonal roundup from the Bats in Churches project - The latest December bat group bulletin which includes policy updates following the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15)
In this message we have: - An update on the recent Bat Box checks - Can you help us ... with bat boxes? - More on the urgent request for help from the Wildlife Trust & BCT - #DefendNature - The latest bat group bulletin
In this message we have: 1/ We are back to doing regular bat box checks. Come along to possibly see some bats 2/ Reports on recent events, bat walks and box checks 3/ Final update this year on our new community project the Big Bat Count. 4/ A request from the BCT for feedback on their new strategy 5/ The latest Bat Group Bulletin includes the update on breathable roofing membranes, and a survey request from the IUCN on Field hygiene best practices for fieldwork with bats.
The group received the following reply from James Heappey MP to our email about the weakening of the protection under the Habitats Regulations.
In this message we have: - An urgent request from the BCT. Write to your MP now to save bats! - Updates for our new community project the Big Bat Count. - Lots of upcoming events, big bat counts and bat box checks. - Can you help us with ... requests for youth bat walks? - Final news from the Bats in Churches project - The latest Bat Group Bulletin includes news of another EBLV-1 case in Dorset
In this message we have: - Update on our Bechstein’s Radio Tracking - Our large public event, the Big Bat Count Taunton is go - Details of lots of upcoming bat group events - Can you help us with ... requests for bat talks? - Bat Workers Forum 2022 – Bookings Now Open - Pete Guest Award 2022 – Voting - The latest Bat Group Bulletin
The Bat Group were asked by Colin Arnold, Service Manager, Planning and Development SCC to comment on these revised planning applications regarding Hanson’s Westdown Quarry: https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC/3795/2021 https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC/3836/2021/IDO https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC/3837/2021/IDO https://planning.somerset.gov.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC/3838/2021/ROMP These comments are published on our website: https://somersetbat.group/2022/08/01/westdown-update/ They should be read alongside our previous comments, which also form part of this 1/8/22 response: https://somersetbat.group/2020/12/04/response-westdown-quarry-expansion/ https://somersetbat.group/2021/06/29/scc-westdown-consultation/ … Continue reading Bat Group response to revised proposals for Westdown Quarry – 1Aug22
In this message we have: - The second part of our Bechstein’s Radio Tracking is coming up soon - The latest news on our Big Bat Count in Taunton on 26th August - We're now enabling community big bat counts! - Can you help with local bat surveys?- The latest Bat Group Bulletin