BatChat
Taking you into the field to discover the world of bat conservation. BatChat is for anyone who loves bats or has an interest in the conservation of these fascinating mammals. Ecologist and Bat Conservation Trust Trustee Steve Roe takes you on-location, talking to the experts as well as local heroes to bring you the latest from the world of bats.
Series 6 is being released right now with episodes released every other Wednesday. In this series we travel to Northumberland to visit the UK's largest-known winter hibernation roost of pipistrelle bats, to Pembrokeshire to talk to the woman who discovered the first barbastelle bats in Wales and to the creator of a groundbreaking bat detector that's making waves in the bat conservation community.
Get in touch with feedback and ideas for stories you’d like to hear: comms@bats.org.uk
Bats are magical but misunderstood mammals. At the Bat Conservation Trust we have a vision of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together.
BatChat
NightWatch: Breaking Barriers to Bat Conservation
S6E64 In this episode of BatChat, we’re shining a spotlight on NightWatch, a groundbreaking community science project from the Bat Conservation Trust. Launched in 2021, NightWatch is the only initiative of its kind in the UK, helping people uncover the hidden world of nighttime wildlife while breaking down barriers that prevent communities from connecting with nature.
Join host Steve Roe as he chats with Siobhan Dempsey at the Restore Nature Now march, where they discuss how NightWatch is making bat surveys more accessible—particularly for people from minority ethnic backgrounds, lower-income communities, and those with disabilities. With thousands of bat echolocation calls recorded across 750+ sites, and over 2,000 people engaged so far, this project is transforming urban conservation.
But to keep NightWatch running, we need your help! We must raise £14,000 by June 2025 to ensure more people can discover the wonders of bats in their neighborhoods.
🔗 Find out more about NightWatch and how you can support it here: https://www.bats.org.uk/news/2025/02/save-nightwatch-urban-bats-communities
🦇 Warwickshire Bat Group Take a look at their website for upcoming events.
Thank you to Wildcare for sponsoring series 6 of BatChat.
Quote BATCHAT at the Wildcare checkout for 10% off all bat detectors and bat boxes.
Steve spotted his first bats of the year out on the wing this week—a sure sign that spring’s on the way. Have you seen any yet? Text the show using the link at the top to tell Steve about your first bat of the year and see if we can draw up a picture of where bats have been seen across the country during this spell of warmer weather. Don’t forget to include your name.
WildcareDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Got a story to share with us? Please get in touch via comms@bats.org.uk
Bats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!
