Bat Roost Visits

[Johnny Redgate]

I've just started training towards a roost visitor licence with the Shropshire Bat Group. Today I went on my first hibernation roost visit as a trainee. We went down one of the old mines in the Stiperstones area of Shropshire and saw Lesser Horseshoes, Daubentons and Brown Long-eared. The old mine and the bats were vey interesting and it has revived my dormant interest in potholing. I've even retrieved my old cavers wet suit from the back of the shed.

There are several more mine visits to look forward to this winter although we start lambing soon so it will be more difficult to get away. The trainers from the Bat Group seem very friendly and a pint afterwards in the Stiperstones pub looks to be traditional. Had a good day

[aeshna5]

Great experience! Good luck with your license.

[tigger]

Well done Johnny. I've just got my license... (now that I have had my 3 rabies jabs) can't wait for Natural England to call and to be sent on my first "bat visit". I feel like bat woman!

Jane

[Dogghound]

Glad you enjoyed your visit, they are fantastic creatures. I do a lot of bad surveys during the summer, but this sounds very interesting.

[The Woodman]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

I do a lot of bad surveys during the summer, but this sounds very interesting.

I hope your New Year resolution is to do only good surveys Dogghound!

Johnny (and tigger), as a bat license holder for 25 years, I can say what an interesting time is ahead of you. It's not just the bats but the people you'll meet.

I've just come home now from the coldest bat survey I've ever done. Checked a bridge over the River Eamont near Penrith for hibernating bats from a Bridgemaster access platform prior to maintenance work. Minus 12C on my thermometer!

[Johnny Redgate]

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. The next trip out should be 17th Jan to another set of mine workings, some of which will be wet. Definitely one for the wetsuit bottoms. Looking forward to it.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

I hope your New Year resolution is to do only good surveys Dogghound!

LOL thats a typo honest hehe.

[The Woodman]

I couldn't resist it, sorry.

[Johnny Redgate]

Second trip to look at hibernation roosts today, this time to a number of mine levels at Snailbeach near the Stiperstones, Shropshire. Very interesting old lead workings that went down a staggering 1500ft at their deepest but now two thirds flooded. We only visited the easily accessible walk in parts. Saw Daubentons, Natterers, Brown Long-eared and Lesser Horseshoe. The Myotis bats really tuck themselves away into cracks in the rock. Lesser Horseshoe count was much higher than the other species but then they are much easier to see. Good fun again, but cold.

John

[Dogghound]

Good to hear your enjoying it John. Also positive to hear good counts of lesser horseshoe's.