Scotland is home to ten different species of bat. How do they use woodlands in Dumfries & Galloway and how can a bat box help?
Following the success of last year's 'Bats of Bennel Wood' event, Species on the Edge are once again joining with D&G Woodlands for an evening of bat-themed activity! This year we will also be joined by D&G Bat Group for added bat knowledge!
The event will start with a focus on the topic of Bat Boxes. Species on the Edge worked with Dalbeattie Men's Shed team to make a batch of bat boxes. We'll be putting the finishing touches to these boxes on site.
We'll then take a guided walk around the Bennel Wood site, discussing bats, their likes and dislikes. This will be a multi-sensory experience and an opportunity to use bat detectors to reveal how bats echolocate in the dark.
We will provide further information on how to hang your box and how to get involved in bat surveys.
Bat boxes are constructed of timber and measure approximately 40cm x 20cm. They are hung with wire, nails or brackets. When considering whether you have space for a bat box, please check the following criteria:
• A location (tree or building) that is sheltered from the wind but unshaded for most of the day (SW to SE aspect).
• Away from artificial light sources such as streetlights, which bats can find disturbing.
• Some good foraging habitat nearby, such as trees and hedgerows.
• The box must be erected at least 3m high.
Event logistics:
Please bring a torch and wear suitable outdoor clothing.
The walk will be less than 2 miles in total length, with frequent stops.
There is a compost toilet on site.
Event venue is a recently clear-felled site, the walk will be on uneven paths.
This event is a partnership between Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands and Species on the Edge.
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands a membership organisation established to support trees, habitats and the people that depend upon them in the region. For more information, visit www.dgwoodlands.org.uk or follow us on social media.
Species on the Edge is a bold and ambitious partnership of eight nature conservation organisations in Scotland, all working together to secure a future for Scotland’s most rare and vulnerable coastal wildlife. Species on the Edge is made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. For more information about Species on the Edge, visit https://speciesontheedge.co.uk/.
We are a small charity group of volunteers who undertake bat conservation in Dumfries and Galloway. For more information visit: https://www.dumfriesbatgroup.org.uk/