National Bat Roost Monitoring Programme Roost Count Training- Part 2
Want to learn how to carry out a roost count at a local church? The best way to gain confidence is by practical experience. You can join an existing Roost Count for an evening to learn the ropes. There are several Roost Count training events across the country. You don't need your own a bat detector to take part, you just need to bring yourself, a warm jacket and also a torch. Your leader will cover the basics of using a bat detector and the methodology of carrying out a roost count. However, we do advise that you take part in our online theory session first. You can register here.
The training is free but we suggest a £5 contribution which the project will split between the church and bat group. For this you'll receive a copy of the fantastic Identifying Bats in Flight booklet from Bat Conservation Trust.
Unfortunately, we know that coverage is limited. If you're keen on learning how to monitor for the annual NBMP Roost Count, but there isn't a training opportunity near you, we suggest contacting and joining your local bat group, who are likely to be carrying out counts in the local area and are a hub of local bat knowledge.
Spixworth church, Norwich
Want to learn how to carry out a church roost count? Join Abi Gray from the Norwich Bat Group to a maternity colony of 300+ pipistrelles.
Location: Buxton Road, Spixworth, Norwich, NR10 3PR.
Date: Saturday 21st May 2022
Start time: 20:00
Finish time: 22:30
Facilities: Parking available at the church. No toilet facilities will be accessible. Please note that it will be dark by the time you leave and the churchyard is uneven, so it's useful to bring a torch and batteries.
Witherslack church in Cumbria
Join Gail Armstrong and Dave Marshall from the South Cumbria Bat Group to count a maternity colony of Natterer's bats using St Paul's church, Witherslack .
Location: St Paul's church, Witherslack, LA11 6RS
Date: Saturday 21st May (weather dependent)
Start time: 21:00
End time: 23:00
Facilities: There is space for parking cars close to the church on the roadside but please be mindful of local residents. Toilets will not be open during the event. Please note that it will be dark by the time you leave and the churchyard is uneven, so it's useful to bring a torch and batteries.
Littleham church in Exmouth, Devon
Want to learn how to carry out a church roost count? Join Sarah Butcher from Devon Bat Group to count the pipistrelles and serotine bats using Littleham church.
Location: St Margaret & St Andrew's church, Littleham, Exmouth, EX8 2RF
Date: Wednesday 25th May
Start time: 20:30
End time: 22:30
Facilities: There is parking available in the surrounding streets but please note that there will be no toilets accessible on the evening. It will be dark by the time you leave and the churchyard is uneven, so please bring a torch and batteries.
All Saints church, Braunston-in-Rutland
Want to learn how to carry out a church roost count? Join Jenny Harris from the Leicestershire and Rutland Bat Group to count the bats using All Saints church at Braunston-in-Rutland. It's home to a maternity colony of hundreds of soprano pipistrelles.
Location: Village Hall, Cedar Street, Braunston-In-Rutland, Oakham, LE15 8QS
Date: Friday 27th May (weather dependent)
Start time: 20:00
End time: 22:30
Facilities: Toilets will be available in the village hall next to the church. There are small amounts of car parking by the village hall and around the roads surrounding the church. Please note that it will be dark by the time you leave and the churchyard is uneven, so it's useful to bring a torch and spare batteries.
Ashwell church in Hertfordshire
Want to learn how to carry out a church roost count? Join Chantal from the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Bat Group to count the Natterer's bats using St Mary's church in Ashwell
Date: Tuesday 1st June
Start time: 21:15
End time: 23:00
Facilities: There is parking available in the surrounding streets but please note that there will be no toilets accessible on the evening. Please note that it will be dark by the time you leave and the churchyard is uneven, so it's useful to bring a torch.
