Learn about native bats before going on a dusk walk in search of them.

Our experienced tutor, Alison Boyce , will guide you through this fascinating evening learning all about bats, their ecology & behaviours. She will begin the session in the classroom reviewing the 18 native British bats before talking more about those you are likely to see & hear that evening. She will include information about their life cycle, habitat and feeding patterns before teaching the class how to use bat detectors. You will then be taken on a walk through the woods at dusk when the creatures of the night come alive. Bring a chair, torch, blanket and a flask to spend some time in the woods with a detector enjoying the bat activity of Nower Wood.

Afterwards, we will reconvene in the classroom to discuss your findings over a well-deserved cuppa. The evening will finish with Emma reviewing the best ways that we can all help these wonderful mammals to thrive.

Please note that while we endeavour to maximise the chances of seeing and hearing bats on the night, it is important to be aware that as with all wildlife-based courses, we cannot guarantee it.

Tutor:Alison Boyce

Ali kicked off her environmental journey with a BSc in Environmental Science. As a Countryside Ranger, further education tutor, Forest School leader and general outdoor educator, bat walks and talks have been woven through her career across Surrey and Kent. Working with Surrey Wildlife Trust's education team was one of Ali's first job roles. Having returned after a 14-year gap, she is part of the Team Wilder at Nower Wood. An avid global traveller, but happiest in her garden or on countryside walks, she is keen to share her love of the natural world with others. Quite frankly, she just thinks bats are brilliant.

Description supplied by the event organiser.