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BatChat

Bat Conservation Trust

77 episodes

2 weeks ago

This week we sit down with Edward Wells from the Somerset Bat Group and talk about bats in the county and the work being done to protect them. Edward’s interest in bats started when he was a child and has seen the bat group turn 40 with years of hands-on conservation. We discuss the county’s varied landscapes, how bat conservation has changed over the years, and some of the Somerset Bat Group’s key successes. Edward also reflects on how new technology has shaped bat research, shares examples ...

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Natural Sciences,

All content for BatChat is the property of Bat Conservation Trust and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

This week we sit down with Edward Wells from the Somerset Bat Group and talk about bats in the county and the work being done to protect them. Edward’s interest in bats started when he was a child and has seen the bat group turn 40 with years of hands-on conservation. We discuss the county’s varied landscapes, how bat conservation has changed over the years, and some of the Somerset Bat Group’s key successes. Edward also reflects on how new technology has shaped bat research, shares examples ...

Show more...

Natural Sciences,

Episodes (20/77)

BatChat

Edward Wells - Somerset Bat Group

This week we sit down with Edward Wells from the Somerset Bat Group and talk about bats in the county and the work being done to protect them. Edward’s interest in bats started when he was a child and has seen the bat group turn 40 with years of hands-on conservation. We discuss the county’s varied landscapes, how bat conservation has changed over the years, and some of the Somerset Bat Group’s key successes. Edward also reflects on how new technology has shaped bat research, shares examples ...

2 weeks ago

34 minutes

BatChat

The Hoffman Kiln: Where Bats Reclaim the Dales

North of Settle in the Yorkshire Dales lies the Hoffman Kiln, a relic of the industrial revolution. It's now an important site for bats of the Dales all year round. In this episode we chat to Dave Anderson and Dave Fisher who on Friday afternoons, in a term they've coined as Fieldwork Fridays, they spend 90 minutes surveying the kiln for bats. And they've racked up an impressive collection of data in studying bat behaviour such as crevice fidelity. We also address the challenge of balancing p...

4 weeks ago

44 minutes

BatChat

Pencelli’s Hidden Roost — 50 Years of the Vincent Wildlife Trust

In this episode of BatChat, we explore the 50-year history of the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) and its vital role in bat conservation. I speak with CEO Lucy Rogers about her role with VWT, the organisation's founding by the Hon. Vincent Weir and its ongoing efforts to protect our rarest bat populations here in the UK. With Jenny O'Neil and Phil Morgan we discuss the importance of community involvement, collaboration with local bat groups, and the strategic initiatives that VWT is implementing...

1 month ago

36 minutes

BatChat

Chris Packham on Bats, Bills and the Battle for Britain’s Wildlife

S7E68 We're back with a brand new series and we're starting this exciting new collection of interviews with our President, Chris Packham. We last heard from Chris five years ago back in Episode 14 but this time Steve met the Springwatch presenter at the Natural History Museum. We discuss the new location of this year's Springwatch (and the amazing footage of the soprano pipistrelles at Haddon Hall) and what is needed to fix our National Parks. Chris also gives the latest update on his papercu...

1 month ago

1 hour 4 minutes

BatChat

Series 7 is ready to take flight

We introduce our upcoming series, BatChat, premiering on November 5th. The series will explore the intriguing world of bats while also highlighting wildlife conservation and the amazing people working to conserve them. We conduct field interviews with bat conservationists to gain insights into their efforts and the challenges they face. In this series we'll be speaking to our President Chris Packham, bat workers studying a historical lime kiln in the Yorkshire Dales, an organisation which car...

2 months ago

1 minute

BatChat

Big News – Behind the Mic

We’ve hit a milestone - and it’s all thanks to you! In this special bonus episode, host Steve Roe takes you behind the scenes of BatChat: from the podcast’s beginnings in 2018 to the present day. Discover how the show came to be created, what goes into producing each episode, and enjoy a previously unreleased gem from one of our most loved guests: Dr Bob Stebbings. What’s Inside: 🦇 The origin story: How a passion for bats (and a well-timed compliment about a “Radio 4 voice”) sparked the ...

8 months ago

19 minutes

BatChat

Frome After Dark: A Town on the Hunt for Bats

Send us a text S6E66 In this episode, we're in the charming market town of Frome in Somerset, where the locals take part in a hands-on citizen science event. Armed with bat detectors, participants are sent out around town to record any bats they spot. What makes this event even more exciting is the use of iNaturalist – a popular platform that collects and shares real-time wildlife data. As participants venture out at dusk, their bat sightings are immediately transmitted to the town hall chamb...

9 months ago

35 minutes

BatChat

Restore Nature Now

Steve spotted his first bats of the year out on the wing this week—a sure sign that spring’s on the way. Have you seen any yet? Text the show to tell Steve about your first bat of the year and see if we can draw up a picture of where bats have been seen across the country during this spell of warmer weather. Don’t forget to include your name. S6E65 In this noisy episode, we’re taking you to the heart of the Restore Nature Now march in Central London, where 60,000+ passionate individuals gathe...

9 months ago

27 minutes

BatChat

NightWatch: Breaking Barriers to Bat Conservation

S6E64 In this episode of BatChat, we’re shining a spotlight on NightWatch, a groundbreaking community science project from the Bat Conservation Trust. Launched in 2021, NightWatch is the only initiative of its kind in the UK, helping people uncover the hidden world of nighttime wildlife while breaking down barriers that prevent communities from connecting with nature. Join host Steve Roe as he chats with Siobhan Dempsey at the Restore Nature Now march, where they discuss how NightWatch i...

10 months ago

24 minutes

BatChat

Farms, Bats & Climate: Connecting Communities

S6E63 Climate change is shifting the landscape—literally. But what does that mean for wildlife, especially bats? This episode takes us into the Connecting People and Landscapes in a Changing Climate project, a hands-on effort bringing farmers, landowners, and communities together across the South-West to make the countryside work for both people and nature. Thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is digging into how nature-friendly farming can help wildlife surv...

10 months ago

43 minutes

BatChat

The Bat Night Market

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you! S6E62 🌙 The Bat Night Market Imagine a world without bats. Ever heard of a market that comes alive at night—just like bats? We visit the Bat Night Market, an immersive event blending art, science, and nature. Inspired by bats and nocturnal life, this market offers a unique experience like no other. Find out more about what’s in store! 🔗 More about the Bat Night Market 🦇 Nene Valley Bat Group Update Juliette ...

11 months ago

39 minutes

BatChat

Where Do Pipistrelles Go? A Winter Mystery

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you! S6E61 Recorded in the winter of 2024, in this episode we travel to the Northumberland coastline to a National Trust property called Seaton Delaval Hall. We’re there because this property is home to the UK’s largest-known pipistrelle bat hibernation roost. For many years we haven’t really known where pipistrelle bats go to hibernate. Traditional hibernation surveys in underground structures rarely turn up pipi...

11 months ago

23 minutes

BatChat

Into the Forest: Barbastelle Bats of Pembrokeshire

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you! S6E60. In this episode, we venture into the ancient Pengelli Forest in Pembrokeshire to uncover the story behind one of the region's most remarkable bat discoveries. Back in 2000, Margaret Clarke discovered presence of barbastelle bats, a species known for its elusive nature. Joined by Margaret Clarke and Den Vaughn, we revisit the discovery that changed our understanding of bats in Pembrokeshire and discuss ...

12 months ago

33 minutes

BatChat

An Evening with Somerset's Rarest Bat

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you! S6E59 This week, we’re diving into an evening adventure at the stunning Tintinhull Gardens in Somerset, owned by the National Trust. Joining the Somerset Bat Group, we’re on the hunt for one of the UK’s rarest bats – the elusive grey long-eared bat. In this episode, you’ll hear: 🦇 What makes the grey long-eared bat so rare and fascinating 🦇 The Somerset Bat Group’s efforts to discover more about this species ...

1 year ago

38 minutes

BatChat

Batting on a Budget: Phil Atkin’s Game-Changing Bat Detector

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you!S6Ep58 In this episode of BatChat, Steve sits down with Phil Atkin, the creator of a groundbreaking bat detector that’s making waves in the bat conservation community. Using the Raspberry Pi Pico computer, Phil has designed a cost-effective way for people to build their own bat detectors—for just £15!Join us as we delve into:🦇 How Phil’s love for bats sparked his innovative journey.💻 The tech behind the Raspbe...

1 year ago

34 minutes

BatChat

Into the Knapp: A Night Walk with Worcestershire Bat Group

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you!Step into the nocturnal world of the Knapp and Papermill Reserve with the Worcestershire Bat Group! In this immersive field recording, join us for a unique bat walk through the varied habitats of this Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve.This episode captures a real-time adventure as we explore the reserve at night, listening in on bat detectors and identifying an impressive array of bat species, inclu...

1 year ago

28 minutes

BatChat

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you! S6E56 We’re back with a brand new series! At the 2024 National Bat Conference at the University of Reading, zoologist and wildlife TV presenter Megan McCubbin joined us to chair a thought-provoking debate on ethical conservation. In between sessions, Megan sat down with Steve to chat about her career, her encounters with bats, and her involvement in the Restore Nature Now march earlier this summer. Plus, we’l...

1 year ago

43 minutes

BatChat

Our 6th Series is just around the corner...

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you!Get ready for an action-packed Series 6 of BatChat! This season, we're bringing you breaking news from the bat world, and that’s just the beginning. We’ll take you on a twilight bat walk, explore a buzzing night market with a twist and head deep into Somerset’s countryside in search of the elusive grey long-eared bat. Plus, we’ll venture into the heart of Pembrokeshire to uncover the secrets of a legendary woo...

1 year ago

1 minute

BatChat

How to get a bat licence - with Richard Crompton

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you!S5E55 Sat in the entrance to a cave in Wales, hidden amongst temperate rainforest, Richard Crompton gives you his insight into the best way to go about getting your bat licence. Richard has been training ecologists for many years now with around 400 people coming to his courses over the years. In this episode you'll hear about the different bodies that give licences, the different levels of licences and what t...

1 year ago

40 minutes

BatChat

Bats at the National Trust

Got questions, thoughts, or curious bat queries? Text us—we’d love to hear from you!S5E54 This week Steve sits down with Joanne Hodgkins, nature conservation advisor for the National Trust. Sitting in the hot August sunshine at The Vyne near Basingstoke, Steve finds out how the National Trust cares not just for it's special places, but for it's special wildlife. Jo explains how bats are now a day to day part of her role at the Trust, how bats are at the centre of most projects on their Estate...

1 year ago

24 minutes