Wednesday, 9 November 2022
Dan Riskin’s Inspiration for Fiona the Fruit Bat
Tuesday, 13 September 2022
Ensuring a future for bats - the power of Wills
Thinking about Will writing and legacies can be a sensitive subject to approach but leaving a gift in your Will makes a huge difference to our work. One of our members, Katrina, got in touch to let us know she had left a gift to Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) in her Will so we asked her a little bit more about what motivated her to do so
- Firstly, thank you for leaving a gift to BCT in your will. Can you tell us what is your connection to bats? I have bats living in the roof space of my home (a converted chapel) and barn
- When and why did you become a BCT member? Actually, it was September 2019 I first became a member. As I had bats identified by a local bat enthusiast through Natural England, I wanted to learn more about them, how I can help them and how I can help others learn about these mysterious but incredible nocturnal creatures. I am also interested in moths and hedgehogs which are other nocturnal creatures.
- Thinking about will writing can often be a daunting idea. What
prompted you to leave BCT a gift in your will? I had not yet made a will and it seemed important that I
made a will so that everything would be sorted in the way I wanted it to
be if anything happened to me. As well as providing for family and
friends, I wanted to ensure that my favourite charities would benefit in
the future… a positive legacy to know that my estate would be spend
furthering the things I had been so interested in during my life.
- Was this a difficult process? I went to a local
solicitor; it was straightforward and the fee was fixed. Of course,
I had to think hard about who and what was going to benefit, and how
much. That was the hardest part, so it does take some application.
My will refers to a ‘letter of wishes’ so that I can keep changing who
gets important family papers or handed down items, rather than putting
those in the will which means it would need to be revised. These are
not items of value but important social history for my family. Learning
about the ‘letter of wishes’ from the solicitor was very helpful.
- What would you say to someone who is unsure about writing their
will? What is there to lose? Apart from
anything else, one can set out whether one wishes to be buried or
cremated. I just feel so re-assured that should anything happen to
me, my loved ones are looked after and charities that are close to my
heart or have helped me over the years, will be gifted and able to
continue their marvellous work. That has to be a great legacy, for
anyone.
Thursday, 24 March 2022
Drawing Lines in the Sand Over Nature Loss in the UK
by Jane Williamson, UK Youth for Nature
How are the Bat Conservation Trust, the youth movement UK Youth for Nature, this year’s UN Biodiversity Conference COP-15 and a 50 foot sand drawing on a beach in Scarborough linked? It’s a reasonable question, and one that I’ll try to answer here. As a member of UK Youth for Nature’s Organising Team, I’ve been working alongside the team this spring to raise awareness of the fact that #NatureCannotWait, at the start of what’s being billed a ‘biodiversity super year’. Looking back on the last, lost decade for nature [1] in the year 2022, along with countless other young people, I’m driven by the fear of being in the same position in 10 years’ time, by the hope that this time, political inertia might give way to action.The Covid-19 pandemic was a lens through which the role of nature in our lives was brought into focus; with life stripped back to the basics, and society in turmoil, nature’s constancy and beauty was one of the few remaining sources of joy in the never-ending cycle of lockdowns - I can’t be alone in losing count. There’s also evidence to suggest that our exploitation of, and disconnect from, the natural world was one of the contributing factors to the emergence and rapid spread of the virus. Some horseshoe bats have even been put forward as the host for a similar virus; as a zoonotic virus, originating in an animal population and ‘jumping ship’ to a human one, WWF say that this is driven by ‘humanity’s broken relationship with nature’, seen for example in deforestation for urban expansion or food production and in the wildlife trade [2]. Bats have been villainised since their possible implication in Covid-19 has been publicised, but in reality it is human exploitation of the natural world which has put bats in this position. They cannot be a scapegoat for what’s ultimately our doing; they play vital roles in global ecosystems, from regulation of insect populations to pollination.
So, moving forward into this crucial decade for nature, we therefore need to bear in mind these two things; one, that nature is vital for human wellbeing, and two, that catastrophe results when we fail to give it the respect and protection it deserves. Enter UK Youth for Nature’s biodiversity stunt - Nature Loss: Lines In The Sand…
“For years we’ve seen nature remain one of governments’ lowest priorities in the UK. When today’s young people are older, some of the most iconic species of the British countryside could already have been lost forever. Our drawing is a loud and clear message to our governments: this year the UN biodiversity conference is a once in a decade chance to set new global nature goals. Take that chance, then act to meet those goals.” - Talia Goldman, Co-Director of UK Youth for Nature.
Nature as our predecessors knew it is already a thing of the past, and our perception of true ‘wildness’ is a modern one; a future devoid of wild things is unimaginable, and yet the empty beach left behind represents how very frighteningly real this prospect is, if governments fail to act sufficiently, and quickly enough. As the drawing was being washed away, pre COP-15 meetings in Geneva were in their closing stages, followed a couple of days later by WWF’s annual Earth Hour; the overlap of these three events was deliberate, emphasising that time is running out for the natural world, but we are the ones who can turn that hourglass on its side.
As it stands, with the failure to translate the Aichi Targets set in 2010 to reality, governments now seek to seal a new global deal for biodiversity. Whilst the 30x30 Agreement aims to return 30% of land globally to nature by 2030, halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity by then [3], UK Youth for Nature is pushing for an early target of 2025, going a step further to put nature into recovery by 2030. Their asks also differ from other green groups in the exchange of the word ‘net’ for ‘absolute’ - no further absolute loss of biodiversity demands far greater ambition and commitment to nature than the prevention of further net loss by 2025.
Focussing on the UK, a considerable number of the approximately 2,300 species that Oaks are thought to support are bats. The older the woodland, the better, all the more reason for enhanced protection of the UK’s ancient woodlands, in which Oaks are a key player as flagship species. Whilst crevices in bark are important roosting sites for species like Barbastelle, others like Noctule tend to make use of woodpeckers’ holes, but whatever the species, all are dependent on the life support that healthy Oaks can give to a huge variety and quantity of insects, being a vital source of food for foraging bats. [4] A recurring theme in ecosystems, this reflects how the protection of one species could have profound, positive knock-on effects on another.
This is why UK Youth for Nature are also working with the Woodland Trust to call for the protection of irreplaceable woods, and the implementation of tougher biosecurity, due to their significance as an ecosystem, not least for bats. This includes the development of an Ash Dieback Action Plan, key in supporting bat populations reliant on ash trees as places to roost.
The Bat Conservation Trust has played a key part in supporting UK Youth for Nature’s actions on Social Media around the time of Nature Loss: Lines In The Sand, along with other major wildlife and conservation organisations. As in nature, this reflects the power of networks and sharing resources, which has been invaluable to our campaign. Collective action, amplified by young people, is central to the fight against the twin biodiversity and climate crises, which unite us all in their scale and implications. On UK Youth for Nature’s behalf, a huge thank you to the Bat Conservation Trust for their encouragement and support of our movement!
Sources/further reading:
[1] ‘A Lost Decade for Nature’, RSPB https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/pa-documents/a-lost-decade-for-nature-2020#:~:text=The%20UK's%20Sixth%20National%20Report,year%20global%20targets%20for%20nature.
[2] Nature and Pandemics - ‘Urgent Call to Protect People and Nature’, WWF https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4783129/WWF%20COVID19%20URGENT%20CALL%20TO%20PROTECT%20PEOPLE%20AND%20NATURE.pdf
[3] Achieving 30x30 in England on Land and at Sea, Wildlife and Countryside LINK https://www.wcl.org.uk/docs/WCL_Achieving_30x30_Land_and_Sea_Report.pdf
[4] Bats and Woodland, Bat Conservation Trust https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/landscapes-for-bats/bats-and-woodland
Wednesday, 26 January 2022
A week of work experience at the Bat Conservation Trust
by Amelia Lam
In the summer of 2018, I completed a week of work experience at the BCT’s London headquarters. The Bat Conservation Trust is an NGO with a network of regional groups across the country, all working to monitor and conserve bats. Here is my recollection of the experience:
While my first few minutes were spent staring up at the
BCT’s top floor office, wondering if I was lost, I finished my four days of
work experience at the BCT with a new set of skills and some very valuable
knowledge of bats!
Map showing areas of the East Midlands surveyed
before/after 2014 |
My first day included entering data for the National
Bat Monitoring programme. This is where hundreds of volunteers go out to
count the number and record the species of the bats in their local area. It was
amazing to sort through the surveys filled out by people all over the country
with the same passion for the UK’s bats. The data from individuals really does
add up to create a greater picture of how each bat species is fairing.
The next day my presentation skills were put to the test as I was tasked with creating the map and visual statistics for data about the species, spread and roost sites of the bats in the East Midlands. It’s safe to say I had never experienced turning pure numbers into squares on a map before, but I was very happy with the result!
Throughout the week I also helped edit the Bat News and
wrote a short article for the Bat
Monitoring Post about bat friendly streetlights in the Netherlands,
although I enjoyed practical tasks even more. An example is creating bat packs
to send to members of the public, which hopefully helped lessen the workload of
the incredibly hardworking National Bat Helpline team. These packs will later
allow scientists to identify the species of bats in that area and in the future.
I spent my last say at the BCT increasing my knowledge about
the UK’s bat species, including their calls and shapes. Not long after, I
remember sharing my knowledge on a bat walk during Action For Conservation
summer camp in Wales, including playing bat quizzes and watching the Greater
horseshoe (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) bats swoop over our heads as they
exited their roosts.
Planning in progress and looking to the future
A drawing from BatFest |
Since my time at the BCT, I’ve been involved in more of the planning side of the conservation sector starting with the London Wildlife Trust’s Young People’s forum in 2019. This showed me that young people are being given a voice for change in the environmental sector. Another highlight was attending the national bat conference as part of BatFest in 2020. I really enjoyed the virtual bat walk and the drawing session. It was good to get so many people together to celebrate even if it was over zoom!
More recently I was on the Natural History Museum’s Youth advisory panel and studying biology at university. I am considering a future in field research. However, no matter where I end up, I know I’ve got a basis of practical skills from my previous experiences, the BCT was a great opportunity to get started, so thanks to all the staff that helped make it happen!
Thursday, 2 September 2021
South Hill Bat Project – helping bats and humans share their space and keep the roof over both our heads!
By Judith Ayers
During lockdown,
St Sampson’s Church in Cornwall has become home to some very special,
regionally rare and declining Natterer's bats.
This was both a blessing and a problem!
St Sampson’s
needs urgent roof works to keep the rain out and the bats need their maternal
home to be undisturbed. The bats would be in danger if we carried out the works
in May and hence we have to postpone the work until we have a licence and the
babies have left the nest. Whilst bat
habitats are protected by law, it falls upon us as volunteers to fund their habitat
conservation and enable them to thrive.
The extra cost, on top of vital roof
repairs to keep the bats safe is £6,000.
We had to find a way to raise that money and quickly and we came up with
a plan for a campaign to sponsor a bat.
The Bishop of Truro, Rt Revd Philip
Mounstephen, was the first to sponsor a bat and he named it Acro-bat. He said:
‘Learning to live in harmony with nature,
rather than trying to curb and control it, is one of the greatest challenges of
our time. That’s why I’m very supportive of the ‘South Hill ‘Sponsor a bat
appeal’ – and why I’m delighted to be sponsoring a bat myself. Please do
consider how you could help support these amazing creatures – and the lovely
community of St Sampson’s, South Hill.’
In return for sponsoring a whole bat, the sponsor can chose the name. For a contribution towards a bat, the name is pre selected. The sponsor receives a certificate with the bats name on it and full details of the project.
Donations can be made via Just Giving page South Hill Bat
Project -helping bats and humans share their space. - JustGiving then send an e mail to stsampsonssouthhill@gmail.com to receive your certificate or,
by sending a cheque made out to ‘The Rector and Church Wardens of South Hill -
to Judith Ayers, Southview Barn, 83 Launceston Road, Callington, Cornwall PL17
8DS.
For further details of South Hill Bat
Project, helping bats and humans share their space.
Contact Judith Ayers judithayers@yahoo.co.uk or St Sampsons Unlocked | Facebook
or St
Sampson's, South Hill - A Church Near You
Tuesday, 8 June 2021
'Dorset Abilities Group - introducing people with disABILITIES to bat conservation
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Ross putting a bat box together (Photo by DAG) |
Dorset Abilities Group (DAG) visit a local nature reserve, The Kingcombe Centre on a regular basis for nature walks and we have polytunnel where we grow vegetables and prior to Covid we also took part in various woodwork and natural craft projects. Kingcombe is part of Dorset Wildlife Trust and set in a rural location surrounded by fields and woodland, the perfect habitat for bats!
Matt Harcourt who runs the Kingcombe centre asked us if would be willing to help put together bat boxes, along with bird nesting boxes and bug houses.
Matt brought the cut wood and we put the boxes together, following the design Matt gave us. The boxes were grooved (outside and inside) which help the bats climb in and out and the design features a bat ladder with a narrow entrance slit at the bottom.
We enjoyed doing it as a team, helping put the boxes together and we learnt lots about bats as Matt is truly knowledgeable and happy to share what he knows. We delivered the boxes, and they were nailed to the eaves of an outbuilding.
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Jack, Ross & Fliss delivering boxes to the Kingcombe Centre (Photo by DAG) |
We discovered what the height of boxes needed to be and the best places to put them. We always thought it was ok to paint or varnish the boxes however we learnt from Matt this was the wrong thing to do. Bats like natural wood. Matt advised whatever you make for wildlife, do not use any paint or varnish, this also applied to bug houses and bird boxes that we have made.
It has been fascinating to learn about the eating habits of bats, they particularly like flies and Daddy long legs. Kingcombe has a log pile to encourage insects, the centre also has a pond which will be great for attracting the flies, it is bat heaven! Kingcombe do not use pesticides on their land either.
Matt explained that it takes time for the bats to locate new homes. So, patience is required! He has advised us to look out for urine stains or droppings and listen out for bat chatter coming from inside the box during the evenings or late afternoon. That will tell us if bats have adopted the box as their new home.
There is little light pollution, so it is a perfect location for the boxes, we imagine it’s pitch black at night.
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Three group members checking out the boxes on a recent visit to the Kingcombe Centre (photo by DAG) |
Wednesday, 26 May 2021
The Map of the Bat
by Rachel Hudson
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Myths and motifs (c) Rachel Hudson |
I unearthed these little nuggets and made many other surprising discoveries on my journey to illustrate The Map of the Bat, a patchwork story quilt.
For my day job I am a freelance illustrator working with leaders in nature conservation and publishers to champion species and highlight the issues they face. I have worked with BBC Wildlife Magazine, Bloomsbury Wildlife and my first children’s book, 100 Endangered Species, was published this May by Button Books. (You might have seen the logo I created for the BCT’s podcast, Bat Chat.)
A Map of Many Threads
My bat quilt is
part of my ongoing mission to rehabilitate the reputation of mispresented and
misunderstood animals in a fun and engaging way. I chose to make a quilt
because it is a way of exploring the different stories of the bat in an
accessible way to reach a broad audience, nature lovers as well as those less
aware of the conservation issues. Story quilting also has a rich history of
social commentary, an art form that features in many different cultures around
the world. As Chris Packham,
President of BCT, has urged, “Bats need
to be part of our culture. We need to see them in everyday life… It’s about a
manifestation we can connect with.” (Packham, 2020).
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Map of the Bat story quilt (c) Rachel Hudson |
I chose fabric patterns for their symbolic significance: the night sky, insect prey, habitats and development - all scraps gathered from family, friends and creatives, some of whom lost their jobs making curtains and costumes during the pandemic. I used graduated colour for the patchwork to unify the illustration. Greys and indigo blues signify ambiguity, ignorance and the beauty of the night. Oranges and reds paradoxically signify threats and illumination.
Creature of the Night or Potent Totem?
From medieval manuscripts
and gargoyles, to Gothic novels, DC comics, blockbuster films and the evening
news, bats have long been associated with demons and death. But in other
cultures, including Aboriginal, Native American and Chinese art – bats have
positive associations with change, rebirth and good fortune. I was keen to
bring these different perspectives together in one map. I did this using
screen-printing, mono-prints, drawings and embroidery, creating a map to be
touched as well as viewed.
A Marvel of
Design
Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings for a flying machine were modelled on bats a well as birds? The Renaissance polymath made elaborate observations regarding the balance, control and weight displacement of bats. The map incorporates da Vinci’s drawing where a bat’s winged membrane inspired the design of the body of the wings. I was also keen to tell the story of the diversity of bats, more than 1,400 species, from megabats to microbats, the ‘whisperers’ and ‘screamers’.
Eco Super Hero
Beyond the bat enthusiast, not many people
know about the important role that bats play in our natural environment:
dispersing seeds, pollinating plants and acting as a natural pest control. It
was important to give prominence to these positive aspects.
It was also vital to incorporate the many threats
that bats face, from habitat loss and development, to climate change and disease.
The well-known slogan, ‘Bats aren’t scary, extinction is’ looms large in
appliquéd writing, slightly fraying at the edges.
Thanks to science and technology, we are
discovering so much more about these once mysterious and consequently maligned
animals. My Map of the Bat is a deep
dive into the history and natural history of this fascinating animal. My aim is
to inspire and delight others to love this animal too.
Find
out more
Rachel’s Map of the Bat is part of her Masters in Illustration at Falmouth
School of Art. To see her wildlife illustrations please visit www.rachelhudsonillustration.com
and follow Rachel on Instagram @rhudsonillustration
100
Endangered Species is available to purchase online
from most major bookshops, including Waterstones, WHSmiths, bookshop.org and
Amazon.
Author
Biography
Rachel Hudson is a natural history
illustrator. She has a First Class Degree in the anthropology of art, studying
societies and cultures that live more closely with their natural environment.
For nine years she worked in wildlife conservation, writing and designing
publications for Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust. In 2019/20 she was
awarded National Runner Up for Best Rural Creative Business, and Winner of the
same category in the South East and Greater London region. She lives in
Hampshire with her family and other animals, including a crested gecko and collared
lizard. Rachel is currently illustrating a picture book about nocturnal
wildlife for a publisher in the US. It will DEFINITELY feature bats.Rachel Hudson (c) Rachel Ulph Photography