August is the best time of year to get out and enjoy some of Britain’s most fascinating creatures - bats!

Each year the Bat Conservation Trust holds the European Bat Weekend, normally the last weekend in August. A celebration of bats, it encourages thousands of people across the country to see and hear bats in their natural environment by taking part in a range of events organised by local bat groups, wildlife trusts, countryside rangers and other organisations across the country.

Find out more about what’s happening in your area from BCT European Bat Weekend.

One of the best ways to get an introduction to your local bat species is to go on a bat walk. Typically held by a local bat group, bat experts and enthusiasts will take you for an evening walk through the best parts of local countryside or green areas for finding bats.

Bat detectors play an important role on such walks. In addition to simply detecting these night-flying creatures (which can be difficult to see even before it gets totally dark!), bat detectors can also allow you to identify species.

Bat detectors start at around £50 and so if you’re not sure bats are your thing yet, a bat walk can be a great way to try one out. But once you’ve had your first taster you’re bound to be hooked! For great first detectors check out our range of read more about choosing a model.

You can find out more about your local bat group in the UK and bat walks in your area from The Bat Conservation Trust.

All British bats are protected by law and with over 100 bat groups in the UK, their dedicated volunteers are the mainstay of bat conservation in Britain.

If a bat walk sparks your interest there are many more ways you can get involved in helping these often misunderstood animals. The Bat Conservation Trust run a national bat monitoring programme which relies on 100’s of volunteers to assess British bat populations by bat detector surveys - you don’t need to be an expert.

Find out more from The Bat Conservation Trust. BCT’s website has a wealth of information on bats and has plenty more ideas to get involved in bats.