Events

The group runs many surveys, talks, training and events throughout the year. Scroll down to see our full list of our upcoming events, and see this page for our guidelines for field hygiene during the groups bat work.

Alternatively, click the links below if you would like to see what we have been up to in the past!

Sat 19th Sept – Bat Detector Building – Otterton, Devon

Working with the Devon Bat Group, we are heading to west to build either Pipistrelle detectors or Griff mics.

  • Morning session: 10AM to 1PM. Afternoon session: 2 to 5PM
  • Booking is via the Devon Bat Group.

Sat 19th Sept – Kings Castle Bat box checks

Josh will be leading the checks of the boxes at the SWT reserve Kings Castle Wood near Wells.

  • We will be checking the older boxes, and seeing if the boxes newly erected in May have any residents.
  • This will involve 2-3km of walking to access, 10:30 AM start.
  • email Josh if you would like to come along.

Sun 20th Sept – Mini Pipistrelle Building – Otterton, Devon

Working with the BCT, Connecting People and Landscapes project we will be building mini Pipistrelle detectors.

Sat 3rd October ’26 – PippyG-athon – Ultrasound Recorder Building Workshop

In a world first* we’ll be running a PippyG-athon. This is for anyone who wants to build one or more of the PippyG ultrasound recorders. The PippyG is a AudioMoth alike reorder, but with the huge advantage of triggering for bats (or birds).
We’ll start in the morning and just keep going until everyone has built as many as they want!

Sorry, this event is fully booked
Full details: https://somersetbat.group/advice/which-bat-detector/build-detector/

“*” = “probably”

2027

NATIONAL BAT MONITORING PROGRAM (NBMP)

For many years, lots of group members have collected and contributed data to these national monitoring programs run by the BCT.  Each survey site is allocated to a volunteer, and in many cases, they need lots of help.  Hence there any many opportunities to learn more while doing your bit to help bat conservation.

The surveys happen at the same time every year, so watch out for the emails and Facebook messages nearer the time for details of when, where and who the lead contact is.

NBMP WINTER HIBERNATION COUNTS – Jan & Feb ’27

Many licenced bat workers carry out surveys of hibernation sites in January and February each year, although these can be extended from December to March.
They often need assistance or are willing to take others along.

Sat 3rd April ’27 – Heal – Bat Detector Workshop

A private workshop for Heal rewilding near Witham Friary. However depending on the numbers taking part from Heal, there may be spaces available to Bat Group members. Email us to be added to the waiting list.

  • 10AM to 1PM and possibly 2 to 5 PM if demand

Sat 17th April – 2027 Bat Group Annual meeting

We will hold our 2027 annual meeting in Othery Village Hall, central Somerset. Come along and get involved!

Agenda and pre-meeting notes are published here.

If there is anything you would like to raise at the meeting, or you would like to send your apologies, please email us: somersetbatgroup@gmail.com

Tues 18th May 2027 – Axevale Big Bat Count

An event for Axevale Climate Action, near Axebridge. Help from bat group members would be very welcome, contact us if you can help.

Sunset is 20:59, so meet at 8:30PM for the briefing.  Count starts at 9:15, ends at 10:15PM.

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