Our John Muir Award Diary: Bat Boxes and Bat Walk

This afternoon we had our monthly session at Arundel Wetlands. It was a shorter than usual session as we returned for a guided bat walk later in the evening.

First off we caught up on everyone's reed seed progress and hedgerow surveying; but today's main task was to set about building a bat box. The Wetlands provided the instructions, wooden sections and screws etc. The boys had a good idea of what to do but unfortunately the sections they'd been given didn't have all the pre-drilled holes and there was a lack of long screws so we came away with a partially complete box for them to finish with the help of Dad...and a drill!

With their little sister away on her school residential it was possible for the boys' dad to come along to the evening session. Thankfully the fine weather stayed and it was a mild and very clear night.

The bat walk was under the supervision of the boys' tutors, their boss and an expert who firstly gave us all a talk about how bats communicate, feed and where and when to expect to see them.

There are 18 known British species of bats, of which 10 can be found at the Wetlands. Tonight we were fortunate enough to spot 2 species; the Common Pipistrelle and the Daubenton. We stopped at several points around the reserve, some more successful than others, but the best was saved for last when we stopped at the Arun riverlife water area. Admittedly it was alot darker by then so more bats had come out to feed, but with the help of the red filtered torches and bat detectors we saw plenty of pipistrelles and daubentons.

It was such a privilege to be guided around the Wetlands when it was closed to the rest of the public and get close to the wildlife and learn in this unique way. It just so happens we also spotted a heron when we nipped into one of the hides and saw a barn owl flying low over the Discovery water area.

The Bat Conservation Trust has a great and informative website for further information and learning.