Events

To enquire about an event you'd like us to attend, or to volunteer with us on a bat survey, walk or other public event, please e-mail sussexbatgroupevents@yahoo.com

Events Update (2025)

January

We began the year with our annual hibernation surveys, checking key roosting sites across Sussex to monitor wintering bat populations. These surveys are a vital part of understanding how our bats are doing during the colder months. We also hosted a Bat Care Course, expertly delivered by our Chair, Amanda Millar, offering valuable training for those interested in rescue and rehabilitation.

February

Our final hibernation surveys wrapped up. Events Coordinator Ryan delivered a‘Bats of Sussex’ talk to the Mannings Heath Horticultural Society. Talks like this are a great way to bring bats into the spotlight for new audiences, many of whom are surprised by just how diverse and fascinating our local bat species are.

March

We were invited by the Horsted Keynes Wildlife Group to a talk by wildlife gardening guru Kate Bradbury. Her insights into creating more nature friendly gardens sparked lots of interest and questions, a reminder of how small changes at home can make a big difference for wildlife. Later that month, several of us attended the South East Bat Conference, a valuable chance to connect with other groups, share updates, and explore new developments in bat conservation across the region.

April

NBMP Coordinator Gareth gave an introductory talk on bat surveying techniques to members of the Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Storrington and Arun Valley group. Their group have launched a specific bat monitoring project, looking into the identification of important habitats at risk recording bats in specific sites across the region. It’s great to see more community groups getting involved in structured, long-term surveying.

 May

Chair Amanda gave an inspiring talk to the Thakeham Gardeners’ Club, focusing on how gardens can support bats through thoughtful planting and habitat features. For the second year running we took part in a bioblitz at Wakehurst Place, this time alongside a local scout group who enjoyed learning all about bat surveying., Over the course of the night, we identified seven species of bat, contributing to Wakehurst’s ‘Nature Unlocked’ recording project. A fantastic event for engaging young people in real-time conservation and groundbreaking science.

June

Gareth and Membership Secretary Jess put on a number of roost count surveys for members to attend, including two at Sayers Common, where they have large Serotine maternity roost, at a site in Cooksbridge and another at the Alfriston Clergy House. Jess also hosted a walk for the Plumpton and East Chiltington Wildlife Group. Starting in June Dr Sam Kelly ran four of her ‘Brilliant Bats in Burial Grounds Events’ in Chichester across the Summer, which were well supported by the local community.

July

Ryan joined the rangers from the National Trust to host our annual Bat and Glow Worm Walk at Southwick Hill. A sizeable crowd enjoyed a good number of bats flying across the downs and a gorgeous glowing female Glow Worm shining by the path as darkness descended. We also supported the hosting of the second of three ‘Bat and Moth Safaris’ at the Knepp Wildland, where rewilding has seen an incredible recovery of nature in just 25 years.

August

Ryan ran a bat walk at Ebernoe Common, one of the richest sites in terms of bat species anywhere in the UK. A high number of Barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats were recorded, which was a delight for the attendees. We supported a walk for the Friends of South Pond around the Jubilee Path in Midhurst, which was well supported by the local community. We also did an evening of licensed bat trapping at Warnham Nature Reserve, near Horsham, where they’ve built a Bat Bothy structure to encourage the bats. Some of the committee took a visit to the magical Greater Horseshoe roost site in West Sussex, where we watched the bats emerge for a night of foraging from the new purpose-built hide. We hope to put on a few nights for members in 2026 to visit the Hutson Hide themselves.

September

Jess and committee member Aidan ran a bat walk starting from a church in Arundel, where several rehabilitated Nathusius Pipistrelle bats were safely released in front of the attendees. Jess also led a bat walk for the Friends of Ashenground and Bolnore Woods. A big crowd was delighted to discover Noctule, Soprano Pipistrelle, Common Pipistrelle, and Serotine bats. And later in the month Jess also put on a free bat walk in Malling, for the local community.         

October

Ryan led a bat walk for the Bury Cubs group, around Coldwaltham. It was a really fun evening, with six species of bat recorded. Ryan also gave a talk to the East Grinstead Natural History Group and a talk on the importance of darkness for bats as part of the Dark Skies Festival in Ticehurst.