. . . over the weekend I was lucky enough to be invited by the Sussex Bat Group to join a local bat hibernation count [how many of each species per site] - some of these sites are in the quieter corners & crannies & nooks of neighbouring National Trust properties.
The only bat of the 250 or so we saw that day to be disturbed by our lurching around waving torches in the chilly dark was this rather dazed-looking Natterer's bat (photo credit: Sheila Wright) - we had to almost wake it up to take the number of its pre-existing ring.
I am happy (in fact extremely relieved) to be able to say it appeared to doze straight back into deep hibernation.
Later in the year - usually around August - Slindon will host bat-walks, one specially for children - brilliantly carried out last year by the team, led by Bob & Katie.
Each time I went last year - to enjoy the living dark & the expertise of Bob or another warden leading the walks - Serotine bats wheeled & swooped spectacularly at canopy-height above a clearing in the Park Pale woods, then we saw Daubenton's sweep low over Slindon pond - & of course at random intervals Pipistrelles would skitter by, going about their miniature private business.
Make sure you keep checking the link at the top of this page for Slindon Estate's next three months' events.
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