On August 24, 2024, 40 attendees gathered at Sconce and Devon Park to celebrate International Bat Night, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about bat conservation. The walk was a collaborative effort between Lynn and Katie from Sherwood Forest Trust, Simon and Isaac from Newark and Sherwood District Council (NSDC), and Al Thorn from Nottinghamshire Bat Group.

The highlight of the evening was the chance for families to use bat detectors to listen to the park’s bats as they hunted for insects. Attendees were thrilled to record three different bat species: the Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, and Daubenton’s Bat, often known as the “water bat” for its unique hunting style.

In addition to raising awareness about bats, the event helped raise funds for the Notts Bat Care Group, with a £40 donation sent to support their work.

The Bat Walk was a great success, with lots of bat activity and a fun, educational experience for everyone who participated!

For more information about bats in Nottinghamshire and how you can support them, click here