How can we manage our woodlands effectively while also protecting and enhancing habitat for bats?

Join the Bat Conservation Trust’s Whispers of the Woodlands project for a practical day exploring how woodland management can support bats, with a particular focus on the brown long-eared bat.

The day is aimed at woodland owners, managers, forestry professionals and anyone involved in making decisions about the management of Welsh woodlands.

We’ll explore how bats use woodland, what makes a woodland valuable for brown long-eared bats, and how management decisions can help maintain and create important habitat.

The day will combine short talks with an interactive discussion and knowledge-sharing session, giving participants the opportunity to share their own experiences, challenges and practical solutions for managing woodland for bats.

In the afternoon, we’ll head out into the woodland for a practical site visit, where we’ll look for Potential Roost Features, assess bat habitat and consider how targeted management could improve the site.

What you'll get from the day

• An introduction to bats and woodland management, with a focus on the brown long-eared bat
• Practical guidance on identifying and retaining Potential Roost Features
• Ideas for incorporating bat habitat into woodland management plans
• Opportunities to share experiences and learn from other woodland owners and managers
• The chance to discuss real-world challenges and potential solutions with woodland and bat specialists

The event is part of the Whispers of the Woodlands / Sibrydion y Coedwigoedd project, delivered by the Bat Conservation Trust and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear as the afternoon session will take place outdoors in woodland.