Understanding British Bats (SELL) ~ FULLY BOOKED

This course gives a thorough introduction to the subject of British bats, with the aim of it being the first in a series of courses on these mammals. 

Species identification, life cycles, habits and habitats will be some of the topics covered.  Practical and field exercises will involve a guide to summer and winter roosting sites and flight corridors, feeding patterns and behaviour.  There will be opportunities for evening bat watches using ‘bat detectors’.  The distribution and status of these mammals, including BAP species and wildlife law will be covered briefly.

The maximum number of students on the course will be 12.  To make the most of the course and join in the evening bat monitoring, it would be advisable for students to stay at Denmark Farm or in close proximity to the site.

Timings: Day 1 – 2pm to late!, Day 2: 11am to late, Day 3: 10am to 1pm

Clothing:  Some of the course may be outdoors around DF you will not have to walk very long distances.  Suitable foot wear, warm and waterproof clothing will be needed in case of a cold spell in the late evening/ night- time bat watching and detecting!!

Books:  We should have available enough keys, reference books etc. necessary for the course including the identification work but if you have any of your own do bring them with you.

Useful: A good torch.  A digital camera may be useful and enable you to record additional information and possibly a pen-drive. Please bring a bat detector if you have one although some will also be available.

Equipment: A Notebook / Portfolio (hardback A4) will be provided for you and other materials necessary for the course.  The notebook is kept as a running record of the course and forms part of the assessment work.  Please equip yourself with a pencil (ink isn’t usually waterproof) and other basic writing materials.

On completion of this module, students should be able to.

• Explain the general behavior and distribution, habitat requirements and conservation status of a selection of bat species.
• Identify a range of British bat species, demonstrating knowledge of their morphology and diagnostic features.
• Describe bat breeding patterns and use of summer and winter roosting sites.

Tutor: Richard Crompton

Fees: £120 full price (£20 concession and £20 early bird discount available). 

Please enquire about the fee waiver scheme which applies to all SELL Courses. If you have no first degree, reside in Wales and are in receipt of certain state benefits, you may be able to get your course fees subsidised, or paid for you.

Please go to http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/sell/lifelong-learning/ for all enquiries and bookings.

Accommodation:

Self catering Eco Lodge, shared dormitories and eco-camping are all available at Denmark Farm. Please book your place first with Aberystwyth University and then contact us about your accommodation needs.

You maybe interested in other conservation, species ID and natural crafts courses at Denmark Farm. See our full events page.