On 1st July 2020, the Bat Group made the following update on future events:
- We will be carrying out some acoustic surveys on an individual or small group basis this summer. This includes the NBMP Field and Waterways Surveys and possibly Landscape surveys. These will be done according to the guidance issued by the BCT.
- As none of the bat groups work can be considered “essential”, we will not be carrying out any events that involve possible contact with bats. This includes, bat box checks, trapping, internal roost or cave visits. This is in line with DEFRA’s guidance to the BCT, which is guided by the IUCN advice, that there is a “credible risk” of human to bat Covid-19 transmission. This is likely to be the situation for the foreseeable future.
(Note: Bat Care has separate guidance, and continues.) - We will not be holding any public events in 2020. This includes bat walks, talks, advice or training events. This is due to the uncertainty of what restrictions will be in place over the coming months, and also because many of the groups key organisers have reasons to remain shielded.
Currently in early 2021 this advice still stands. The SBG committee met in Feb21, and decided to pencil in some dates for latter in 2021, but not to publish these until we were confident these could go ahead.
Somerset Bat Group AGM – Saturday 24th April 2021
Last year we held a virtual AGM via email. We will publish details shortly of how members can take part in a virtual Zoom AGM for 2021, and have a say in the running of the group.
National Bat Monitoring Programs
29/5/20 – BCT have issued updated advice regarding which NBMP surveys can be undertaken, more details here.
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 experienced bat worker, and in many cases they need lots of help. Hence there any many opportunities learn more while doing you 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:
Late May to early July – NBMP Roost Surveys
- Sunset emergent counts at roosts across Somerset – more details
July – NBMP Field Surveys
- Monitoring noctule, serotine, common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelle.
- Two 1km recording walks, starting 20mins after sunset. – more details
August – NBMP Waterways Surveys
- Monitoring activity of Daubenton’s bats along Somersets waterways.
- Two waterside recording walks, starting 40mins after sunset – more details
Sat 4TH Sept 2021 – Brent Knoll BAT WALK
Public event for St. Michaels Church, members welcome to help – email Dave for details, and to offer to assist.
Fri 17TH Sept 2021 – GLASTONBURY BAT WALK
Public event for the Museum, members welcome to help – email Adel to assist.
- 7PM to 8:30PM
- Glastonbury Rural Life Museum.