Welcome to Durham Bat Group

Whether you are brand new to bats, or an experienced bat worker, Durham Bat Group is here to help you explore your hobby and gain valuable, practical experience.

About Us

Durham Bat Group is a collection of individuals from a range of backgrounds who share a passion for bats and their conservation.

Discover Durham Bat Group

Projects & Research

As a collective, Durham Bat Group takes part in a wide variety of projects and ongoing research. This includes supporting BCT and NBMP surveys as well as our own projects at sites around the North East.

Photo credit Hugh Clark www.bats.org.uk

FAQs

Memberships

Events

Where We Operate

We cover the area between the Tyne & the Tees that is essentially the pre-1974 County Durham boundary. However, we also work closely with neighbouring bat groups to provide support across the general North East Region.

Latest News

Basic Bat Care

Contain in lidded receptacle

Contain the bat in a suitable lidded receptacle – a small cardboard box is ideal – but make sure there are air holes so the bat doesn’t suffocate.

Use bite-proof gloves

Wear bite proof gloves to pick the bat up, or else coax the bat into the box without touching it. There is an infinitesimally small chance the bat may be carrying a rabies-like virus, so bats should not be picked up with bare hands

Use a soft cloth

Place a soft piece of cloth, such as a tea towel in the box – make sure it is crumpled up so the bat can crawl into it and hide.

Provide fresh water

Provide some water for the bat to drink. An upturned plastic milk bottle top with a couple of millimetres of water is ideal.

Keep in dark, quiet place

Place the box somewhere dark and quiet then call the BCT Helpline to find a local carer, 0345 1300 228.

Credit for photos used on this site to BCT www.bats.org.uk, and to the photographers Hugh Clark, Daniel Hargreaves, Kevin Durose. Photographs of bats remain the property of BCT and cannot be reproduced without the photographers permission.