Explore nocturnal wildlife with St Andrews Botanic Garden & University of St Andrews bat experts, followed by hot chocolate around the fire

What happens in the Garden when daylight begins to disappear?

Join us for a special Halloween evening at St Andrews Botanic Garden as we explore the secret world of the wildlife that wakes up as we’re heading home. 🌙🌳

Hollie, the Garden’s Education Lead, will take you on an exploration of some of the fascinating nocturnal wildlife that can be found in and around the Garden. We’ll discover how different animals are adapted for life after dark, what signs they leave behind and why gardens and green spaces can be so important for wildlife at night.

Then we’ll turn our attention to one of Halloween’s most famous creatures – bats! 🦇

Scotland is home to 10 species of bat, all small insect-eating mammals that can be found roosting in trees, buildings and caves. Experts from the University of St Andrews will introduce us to these incredible flying mammals and take us out to look and listen for bats beginning their evening hunt.

Using bat detectors, we’ll tune into the ultrasonic echolocation calls that are normally beyond human hearing and discover how bats use sound to navigate and hunt in the darkness.

We can never be quite sure where our wild bats will choose to appear – no paid bat actors here! – but searching for them is all part of the fun.

Along the way, expect:

🌙 An introduction to the Garden’s night-time wildlife

🦇 Fascinating facts about Scotland’s bats

🔊 A chance to listen for echolocation using bat detectors

🔦 An atmospheric exploration of the Garden as darkness falls

🔥 Time together around the fire

☕ Hot chocolate and vegan marshmallows

We’ll finish by gathering around the fire to warm up with a hot chocolate and toast some marshmallows – the perfect end to an autumn evening outdoors.

What to bring

Please wrap up warm and dress for the Scottish weather, including sturdy footwear and waterproofs if needed. Much of the event takes place outdoors and paths may be dark, damp or muddy. Torches/ flash lights are a must.

Places are limited, so advance booking is essential.

📅 Friday 30 October

⏰ 4–6pm

📍 St Andrews Botanic Garden

🌿 With St Andrews Botanic Garden Education Team

🦇 In partnership with University of St Andrews bat experts

Come and discover what really goes bump, flutter and scurry in the Garden after dark… 🌙🦇🦔🍂

Description supplied by the event organiser.