Astley Park is a habitat for up to six different species of bat and Friends’ volunteers have installed bat boxes to increase the number of roosting places. Each year we provide the opportunity for small groups of the public to learn about and observe the bats, for a modest fee. The talks are given by a local bat expert who also provides a guided tour of the best viewing locations.

The talks/walks are arranged for summer evenings at around dusk however the weather conditions also need to be calm and dry, otherwise the bats will not appear and so the arranged event will not take place. To help observing and identifying the different species hand held electronic bat detection devices are used which are passed around the attendees to use.

An electronic bat detector, sound frequency chart and sample bat box

We aim to run two bat talk/walks each summer, however please be aware that they are weather dependent. The bats will not be flying if it is raining, as a result the events may have to be cancelled at short notice. If you are interested in taking part in future talk/walks please check this webpage for planned dates early in the calendar year.