Kildare Novice Bat Recorder Training Course (Evening Field & Classroom Sessions)

Join Bat Conservation Ireland for an engaging, beginner-friendly introduction to bat recording and identification. This course combines short online modules with in-person classroom learning and guided fieldwork, giving you the skills and confidence to start recording bats in Ireland.

Taking place over two evenings (approx one week apart), you’ll learn how to use bat detectors, understand bat behaviour, and contribute valuable records to national surveys. The first session includes classroom learning and a hands-on daytime and evening field component, while the second evening focuses on further fieldwork in a new location.

Led by experienced Bat Conservation Ireland tutors, this course is ideal for nature enthusiasts, students, volunteers, and anyone curious about bats and wildlife conservation.

Course dates & locations:
📍 Thur 10th Sept (7.00pm to 11.30pm) –Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore West, Rathangan, Co. Kildare (Classroom & Fieldwork)
📍 Wed 16^th Sept (8.00pm)  – Watergates Linear Park, Newbridge Co. Kildare (Fieldwork)

With an option of attending bat walk with the course tutor on Sept 12^th in Sallins

What you’ll learn:

• Introduction to Irish bat species
• Practical experience using bat detectors
• Skills in identifying bat habitats and roost features
• Confidence in recording and submitting bat data

Participants who complete the course will receive a Bat Conservation Ireland Certificate of Completion: Novice Bat Recorder Award.

👉 Places are limited – early booking is recommended.