Bat training for careers and conservation
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By Alex Morss, Press and Communications Officer
Have you ever felt curious about bats? If you’re looking to widen your conservation career skills, it’s worthwhile learning about Britain’s nocturnal flying mammals, for several reasons.
There is a range of career paths open for people with bat identification and survey skills. And there are also many socially enriching experiences involved in participating in events organised to monitor and learn about these elusive and interesting creatures of the night. And with bat numbers in the UK having declined dramatically over the last century, but with some of our 18 species now showing signs of slow recovery thanks to conservation efforts and legal protection, you can contribute important steps in securing a future for these mammals. In the UK, bats also serve as useful ecological indicator species of wider biodiversity, because understanding changes in their populations also signals change in wider ecosystem health.
Whether you are a bat-beginner full of curiosity, or an expert looking to further deepen your knowledge, the Bat Conservation Trust offers events, surveys, training opportunities, talks and conferences that will help you grow your skills, knowledge, career opportunities, professional network and friendships.
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By learning to use a bat echolocation detector, taking part in bat surveys and monitoring, participating in bat rescue or research, you can open up a whole new world of discovery. Learning the characteristics of bat identification and echolocation sound reveals a spectacular ‘who’s who’ among the hidden sounds of the night sky.
First up - at all knowledge levels, survey and monitoring work is an essential tool in wildlife conservation and relies upon many thousands of citizen scientists, naturalists, professional ecologists and bat workers who record and share their wildlife records with conservation charities, other researchers and government policy makers.
For a beginner’s taste in the world of bats, a good starting place is to participate in the Bat Conservation Trust’s world-class National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP). You will learn a lot, and the resulting data collected from thousands of volunteers builds a picture of where to prioritise conservation resources and informs us of what’s working well or less well.
The NBMP has been running since 1996. It gives scientists and the government the information needed to help inform bat conservation. They organise sunset, roost, field, waterway, hibernation, woodland and passive acoustic monitoring surveys and training for volunteers. Details here
To further enhance your skills, knowledge and career prospects, here’s a round-up of more bat conservation learning and events on offer now. Several of the online courses can be completed at any time. There are also events run regionally by local bat groups, a great way to connect with local bat enthusiasts. Also, if you are organising your own bat-related event, let them know as they may be able to support you in various ways.
*BCT e-learning courses – you can start these any time.
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This range of e-learning products lets you learn at the time that suits you, with courses for different audiences including: an introduction to bats, talks from past conferences, bats and lighting, working with bats in the built environment, bat care theory, and more: https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/training-and-conferences-hub/elearning
*Gain a Certificate of Bat Acoustics Analysis – with an online course developed by Neil Middleton of BatAbility. There are 14 modules covering all bat species found in Britain and Ireland and skills in bat call acoustics analysis. You have 9 months to complete the course. BCT receives a donation of 6% for each participant.
Philip Briggs, monitoring manager, at the Bat Conservation Trust, said: “It’s superb training, with really illuminating illustrations and everything is explained in a clear and accessible way.” Details here
* Bats for Heritage Professionals - 16 & 23 September, online
For anyone working or volunteering in roles with responsibility for heritage buildings and their renovation, development and maintenance, with technical advice developed by Historic England, Natural England, English Heritage, the National Trust and the Bat Conservation Trust.
*Secondary Roost Surveys for Arborists - 18 September, Somerset
How to undertake a secondary roost survey including the use of an endoscope and in-depth practical skills needed in the field. www.bats.org.uk/events/secondary-roost-surveys-for-arborists
*Landscaping for Nature and People - 30 September 2025, Surrey
In collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society at their flagship garden research centre at Wisley.
A course for professionals such as ecologists, architects, landscape architects and horticulturists to share knowledge and ideas on creating multifunctional biodiverse places that connect people to nature. Details here
*Surveys for Arborists – 9 & 16 October
Learn about bat ecology, behaviour and legal knowledge you need to carry out tree works with consideration for the potential effects on bats and their habitats. Designed to give arboriculture professionals a comprehensive awareness of bats. Find out more here
*Bats and Woodland Management - 14 October 2025
Spend a day with one of BCT's woodland specialists - ideal training for anyone involved in looking after a woodland. Book online
*British bats, their ecology and conservation – six sessions, starting 6 November 2025. Available to book here
*Bats for Building Professionals – 18 to 25 November 2025
For anyone who is responsible for buildings and their renovation, development, maintenance or design, including builders, surveyors, architects and pest controllers. Details here
To stay updated on more upcoming events, sign up to BCT’s events mailing list HERE and receive updates straight into your mailbox.
You can see all Bat Conservation Trust courses advertised with CJS here
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