30th August 2011

Blackwater Valley Bats

If you’ve never seen a bat swooping low to catch an insect in the half light after dusk you’ve missed out
on an unforgettable experience. Why not come
along and learn about the bats found in the Blackwater Valley on a special bat walk from Aldershot Park on Friday 23rd September, led by Steve Bailey of the Blackwater Valley Countryside.

Britain is home to 16 bat species, three of which
you may encounter, Pipistrelles and Daubenton’s (also sometimes known as Water Bats) both with a wingspan between 19-25cm, are regulars, but it is possible
that you may see the more elusive and larger Noctule, with a wingspan of 33-45cm.

During the walk there will be an opportunity to listen to the bats’ high frequency ultrasonic calls – known as echolocation – using a bat detector. Bats emit high-pitched squeaks as they fly, using the pattern of the returning echoes to locate their prey: the moths, flies and midges they feed on. Each bat species uses a slightly different frequency, which a detector will transform into sounds audible to humans.

Bat walks are extremely popular and places are limited so if you want to come along  you need to book in advance by ringing 01252 331353. The walk starts at 7pm and depending on the weather and the bats will last about 1½- 2 hours. It is free for BV Trust members with a suggested donation of £3 for non-members payable on the day. Families are welcome, but please bring a torch.

The Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust is a charity registered in 2006. It works closely with the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Blackwater Valley. Find out more by visiting  www.bvct.org.uk

END

For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS

NOTES

• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust is a charity set registered in 2006 to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Blackwater Valley. Membership is £5 pa for households, £100 for corporates. If you are interested in supporting the Trust visit www.bvct.org.uk or ring 01252 331353
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.
• Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Borough Town and Parish Councils of Ash, Blackwater & Hawley,  Farnham, Finchampstead, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Wokingham and Yateley.