Dark Night Gives Rise to Bat Detection.
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre will host a special late night opening for Bat Night on Friday 25th July at 8:30pm presenting the opportunity to hear an expert talk before going bat detecting out on the reserve to see the amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics.
The woodland at Castle Espie is home to some of the eight species of bats native to Northern Ireland and bat detectors will be supplied to help identify the species that are swooping around and listen to them chattering as they hunt for food. Every night bats consume 3 – 3,500 flying insects and in recent years common and soprano pipistrelles as well as leislers and daubentons have been detected on Bat Night.
Bat expert Donna Allen from the Northern Ireland Bat Group will deliver the Bat Night talk in the Drumlin Theatre and will also bring along some of the sick and injured native bats that are under her care.
Speaking about what to expect on Bat Night Donna said:
“ Bats are an amazing species, so for me, Bat Night is an opportunity to dispel any myths or superstitions and show that bats aren’t something to be afraid of but something to be admired. We can learn so much about the environment in which we live by studying bats and understanding their contribution to the natural world.
I’d encourage anyone with a curiosity about bats to come along, learn some fascinating facts about bats near and far and help me care for some sick and injured native bats before venturing out into the woods to see how many we can detect”
Booking is essential for the Bat Night, admission is £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children. The event lasts approximately two and a half hours, children must be accompanied by an adult and the event is most suitable for age 7+. Bookings can be made by contacting WWT Castle Espie on 028 9187 4146.
