Surrey Bat Group

News

Brandt's  bats in Surrey
We have trapped several Brandt's bats at two sites during this year's BCT Bechstein's survey. This is the first time the Group has positively identified this species in Surrey as it can be easily confused with the whiskered bat.

Want to be a Bat Carer?
A number of our members are involved with the rescue of grounded or injured bats, but few are able to undertake the work of rehabilitating them.
Those of you who attended Amanda Millar's recent talk on her bat hospital work will probably have an idea of what is involved. If you would like to help the group as a bat carer, please get in touch with Ross or Lynn to find out more.

Do you have a bat roost?
Steve Bailey is a roost visitor trainer and is on the lookout for roosts he can visit with trainees - probably only once or twice a year. If you have a bat roost in your house, and wouldn't mind Steve bringing along a couple of people to observe it, please e-mail him.

Can you help out at any of these shows?
We have been spreading the word at a number of public events in 2009 by publicising our work with the Bat Group stand. If you can help with the remaining show, by manning our stand for part (or all!) of the day please let Ross and Lynn know  as soon as possible.

Fun Day, Winkworth Arboretum - Friday 7th August

Update to Survey Criteria for Planning Applications
The current planning framework with reference to bats has been updated to reflect the latest ALGE and BCT guidelines. Click here for details.

Bat Detector Articles
The Bat Detector is the quarterly magazine received by all members of the Surrey Bat Group. Click on a link below to get a flavour of the groups activities. Whether a member or not why not come along to one of our events and see the group in action - all are welcome.

     June 2009 - Bring on the Brandt's

     December 2008 - Bat Box Checks

     September 2008 - The Bechstein's Bat Survey

Antibiotics for Rescued Bats
Bat carers - we have another small supply of antibiotics for injured bats. See our Bat Workers section for information on antibiotic treatment for bats in care.

Barbastelles  in Surrey
Summer 2006 saw the first positive barbastelle record for Surrey since the 1960s. The discovery was made between Hascombe and Cranleigh when a road casualty was found to be a female of the species. In 2007 a male barbastelle was found in a disused mill at Shalford, and in 2008, another in a barn at Dunsfold.

Leisler's in Surrey
On a routine Natural England visit at the start of August 2007 a small maternity roost of Leisler's bats was found by Ross and Lynn in the roof of a 1960s detached property. 13 bats were seen to emerge, but others could have come out before the count began. As far as we are aware, this is the first confirmed record of a maternity roost in Surrey.

 Web-based Bulletin Board
There are some very interesting discussions on the bat bulletin board at http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ukbats/
It has been set up specifically for bat workers and bat groups. Do have a look and register if you would like to contribute.