About us
Northumberland Bat Group has been around for a while, it started in 1986 as a gathering of enthusiastic volunteers who are licensed to handle bats and visit their roosts. Now it is a bit more formalised (but only a bit!!!) and includes non-licensed members. You do not need any experience in dealing with bats to join, just enthusiasm and a will to help furry friends!
Now the members of the group undertake a range of activities which broadly further the following aims:
to promote bats and bat conservation in Northumberland through educational events and projects
to support and train volunteers in liaising with the public who come into contact with bats
to offer advice to the public where this does not involve building development as part of the Natural England Bat Advice scheme
to undertake surveys and collect records of bat activity and roost locations with an aim of furthering the understanding of bat ecology in the county
to rehabilitate downed bats and release them back to the wild The Group organizes meetings, surveys and training activities to help us all learn more about our nocturnal friends and to enable trainees to gain bat licenses to help with our call outs. As time permits, members also lead guided walks, give talks and organize other activities to promote bat conservation.
Many members are also involved in the emergency call-out scheme run as part of the Natural England Bat Advice Line, whereby knowledgeable, trained volunteers who are licensed to handle bats and enter roosts can come out to visit householders and offer advice or solutions to batty issues.
We are always keen to attract new members who want to learn about and help Northumberland’s bats. Membership is £4 a year payable at our AGM (usually in March). New members will be sent a membership pack and a list of upcoming meetings.
