Countryside Ranger events explore the secret world of Bats

The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers will hosting a series of events to reveal the little known truths of bats.

‘Nairn Bat Walk’ on Friday 5 September will meet in the Nairn Community Centre at 8pm before exploring Tradespark woods to find out about the bats that live there.

An ‘Inverness Bat Walk’ on Friday 12 September 8-10pm, will focus around Ness Islands highlighting the bats living around the city centre. The meeting place will be given when people book a place.  Please book a place on 01463 710786.

The final event is ‘Bats in Beauly’ on Saturday 27 September. Meet at the Phipps Hall in Beauly at 8pm.

Each event will start with a short talk on bats, including how to use bat detector boxes, before heading out into the dark to watch and listen for bats as they hunt for their favourite foods – insects!

The events will all start at 8pm and last for 2 hours and are most suitable for the general public and  families with children aged over 8 years. Cost is £2 adults and £1 children. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Participants are asked to dress warmly and bring a torch and midge repellent.

Katy Martin, Senior Ranger for Inverness said: “There are so many superstitions about bats - that they are blind or will suck your blood! These walks are a chance for people to discover what a useful job these midgy munching fascinating mammals do for us.”

Highland Council's Countryside Rangers constitute the largest local authority Countryside Ranger provision in Scotland with 25 full time and 3 seasonal Rangers spread throught the Highland Council Area. The role of the Countryside Rangers is to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and to conserve wildlife and habitats. 

The Rangers are also responsible for the promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and are involved in the management of a large number of countryside sites throughout the Highland Council Area. All of Highland Council's Countryside Ranger posts are supported with grants from Scottish Natural Heritage.

For further information on any of the bat walks please contact the Inverness Ranger Office on tel: 01463 710786.