Some time ago, the WoW Events team and committee discussed the possibility of inviting the Sussex Bat Group to come and do a talk/walk along Widewater and the date was eventually set as being 16th July. Gareth from the Bat Group, who of course we referred to in our committee as Batman, confirmed he and a colleague would be happy to oblige.
The event was advertised on our Facebook page, our website and via flyers posted around widewater.
As the day approached, I (Baz Turner), Paula Baker and Mike Fielder, from the WoW committee, arranged to meet at our booth by the east end car park. We had been in contact with Gareth regarding numbers and estimated 15 to 20 people would likely be there, maybe more if the weather stayed nice and cool into the evening.
The day arrived… and so did around 130 people! Mike had already welcomed most of the group, so I introduced Gareth and Dave to talk about these elusive night creatures and how they hunt.
The whole group was attentive as we heard adapted recordings of bats in flight (their sonar signals being slowed down to within our hearing range). They also brought several examples (deceased) of bats to see how tiny they actually are.
Dave explained how some bats abroad are much bigger, about the size of a rat, but with wings. Thankfully not in this country, except at some zoo’s.
I was surprised to learn that bats, like some birds, migrate and can fly great distances.
And so the walk commenced along to the footbridge over the lagoon, with electronic bat detectors being distributed amongst the group.
As the sun went down and day became dusk, things were still silent. However, many people said they were simply enjoying being out at such a lovely place on a beautiful evening. Dave and Gareth walked amongst the group chatting and re-tuning the bat detectors for people.
Myself, Paula and Mike answered questions about the lagoon, the swans, the wild life and much more.
As dusk became night, some noises started sounding through the detectors, although, apparently, most were crickets in the undergrowth!
By the end of the advertised session time, despite the bats being somewhat elusive, everyone said they had enjoyed a lovely evening. Indeed, most said the sense of community was a really nice experience, especially in such a beautiful environment. Most also asked if we were planning another Bat Walk, maybe at a later time in the evening to hopefully catch more bat activity.
By the end of the evening, some stayed beyond the scheduled finish time and were treated to the sound (via the electronic bat detector) of several pipistrelle bats out hunting moths, gnats and mosquitoes.
The £2 donation from non WoW subscription members raised a substantial sum which was split between Sussex Bat Group and WoW.
Suffice to say we are truly grateful for everyone’s attendance and support. Also, we are very appreciative towards Gareth and Dave from Sussex Bat Group, who gave up their time and shared their knowledge of these tiny bats, which the rest of us realised we actually knew so little about.
And finally, to answer the question, yes, we must do it all again sometime, watch this space.
Written by Baz Turner
In addition to Baz’s article, his fellow WoW committee member, Mike Fielder took a short video with his phone. As it was very late in the evening, the only thing visible in the video is the light from the detector device but Mike explained that the clicking sound you can hear is bats feeding as they fly. They emit high frequency sound waves from their larynx, literally shouting at their prey and if it hits, it bounces back and they know where it is. Apparently It’s a bit like echolocation in dolphins….Amazing!!
You can view, or more importantly listen to the video by clicking on the link below: