We are thrilled to share the exciting success of the inaugural bat watching evening at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire! The event, which took place on a balmy summer night in mid-July, saw around 20 enthusiastic members of the public gather at the historic site, eager to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
As the sun set over the medieval hall, attendees were in for a truly awe-inspiring experience. Over 400 soprano pipistrelles emerged from within the chapel located in the corner of Haddon Hall. The sight of these tiny bats taking flight in the chapel and numbers gathering by the minute was nothing short of astonishing and left everyone spellbound.
All this taking place overhead whilst a talk by our chair, Steve, who delved into the intriguing ecology of bats. He shared invaluable insights into their behavior, habitats, and the crucial role they play in our ecosystem. Attendees were left with a newfound appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures.
Following the talk and the mesmerising bat emergence, the group ventured into the medieval parkland surrounding Haddon Hall. The night was filled with further bat sightings as they caught glimpses of noctules gracefully foraging over the wildflower meadow. Daubenton's bats were spotted skillfully skimming the surface of the River Wye, while common pipistrelles and brown long-eared bats added to the diversity of the experience.
We're looking forward to repeating the evening in a sold-out repeat event in just a few weeks' time. It's a testament to the growing interest in these extraordinary creatures and their conservation.
We extend our thanks to Haddon Hall for hosting the event; 20% of the profits from the event are going to the bat group, and all the participants who made the evening such a memorable one. It's through such collective efforts that we can raise awareness about bats' importance in our ecosystem and ensure their well-being for generations to come.
For those who missed out on this event, fear not! Keep an eye on Haddon Hall's website for future opportunities to join in on these remarkable bat watching evenings.
Update: BCT comms officer Claire Moran wrote a blog about this event: http://batconservationtrust.blogspot.com/2023/08/bats-at-haddon-hall.html
