Bat detector workshop: Pipistrelle bat detectors with Andy Avery

Join us to make your very own bat detector with Andy Avery from Somerset Bat Group.

We have limited places (eight on each of two sessions) on Saturday 19th September at Otterton Village Hall, East Devon. We expect places to go virtually immediately, so please don’t miss out if you are interested. With this in mind, places are only available at the moment to people who have been members since before August 1st 2026. 

You will be able to build your own device from the Pipistrelle family of devices. No experience (of soldering or anything else) is needed. The materials cost between £8 and £16, depending on which model you would like, you may need cables +£2 to 4. Other than paying for materials, the workshops are free, thanks to generous support from BCT’s Connecting People and Landscapes, who are running a similar session the next day and paying for the venue for us!

To build a detector you will need to bring along:

1. A steady pair of hands! Some of the components are only mm long. The leader will demonstrate methods to help with accurate placement.
2. Good close-to eyesight. If you use reading glasses, perhaps bring along an extra pair a bit stronger than usual.
3. To test your Pipistrelle detector. Batteries and wired headphones, or speaker, with a standard 3.5mm jack.

A headtorch and magnifying glass may also be useful if you have them, but we will have some to borrow. All the components, materials, tools and equipment needed to build the detectors or recorders will be supplied  

Andy will start with a briefing about the devices, and then walk you through, step by step, the instructions to safely build and test them.