Chance to go batty at Westonbirt this weekend (From This Is Wiltshire)

Grab your torch and wrap up warm on an RSPB guided bat evening at Westonbirt Arboretum.

As dusk falls, bat enthusiasts from RSPB will be on-hand to give participants an extraordinary glimpse of the lives of these elusive and fascinating creatures.

“Fourteen species of bat have previously been recorded at Westonbirt. Only 18 species exist in the UK in total, so we should be spoilt for choice when it comes to seeing and hearing them on this event,” explains on-site RSPB information assistant Amy Martin.

“I’ve seen Brown Long-eared bats hawking insects at Westonbirt,” added the RSPB’s Matt Brierley, “but we’ve never picked them up on a detector. We’re in for an exciting evening.” Bat detectors will be provided to work out what species are encountered as they fly about hunting for food. Some rare species, such as the barbastelle bat, might even be around .

The walk costs £5 per person and places must be booked. Contact Amy Martin on 07747 618141 or email amy.martin@rspb.org.uk.