Bats in the Wiltshire landscapes - free talk, seeds and trees!

Join us for this free talk and take home free seeds and trees!

About the talk
Wiltshire supports a diverse assemblage of bats, ranging from an abundance of widespread species, but also important populations of rarer species such as Greater horseshoe bat, Bechstein’s bat and Barbastelle bat.

These populations are a product of the landscapes supporting them, including underlying geology, wooded landscapes, ancient hunting forests and more recent quarrying activities.

Join us for this free public talk to learn more about Wiltshire bats and these important landscapes - from Lackham to the New Forest - and the surprising ways that land uses support our amazing nocturnal wildlife!

The talk takes place in Chippenham Town Hall and has been organised in partnership with Wiltshire Bat Group, Rooted Chippenham and the Town Council as part of the Environmental Forum.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Free refreshments will be available.

Tickets are free but we welcome donations at checkout to support the work of Wiltshire Bat Group and Rooted Chippenham.

About the speaker
We are thrilled to welcome Gareth Harris, a professional ecologist for over 20 years and the county recorder for wildlife at Wiltshire Bat Group and Wiltshire Mammal Group. Gareth is a licensed bat worker and a specialist in bat ecology, leading bat conservation projects throughout Wiltshire.

Free seeds, trees and bat walks!

Support local bats by planting insect-friendly wildflowers and native trees.

Every attendee will receive a free packet of wildflower seeds (thanks to the Town Council as part of the Environmental Forum) and can take home free native tree saplings from Rooted Chippenham Community Tree Nursery.

Saplings are 1–2 years old (20–50cm) and come with a free tree guard. If you’d like a free sapling, simply select the number of each species at checkout and collect them at the talk.

Plus, we’ll be announcing new Spring dates for our popular free bat walks — with first access to tickets for attendees. Definitely worth coming along!