The Valleys Bat Group covers the unitary authority areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Torfaen and is affiliated to the Bat Conservation Trust, the national body representing Bat Conservation in the UK.
The bat group participates in the following types of activities:
There is currently a committee of 3 elected officers and 4 non-elected officers. These members have specific roles and oversee the smooth running of the group. The rest of the group is then made up of other members, individuals or groups that are interested in bats and bat conservation. The level of involvement is up to each individual, but ranges from attending group meetings to volunteering for surveys and events.
If you are interested in joining the group, please complete and return the membership form and return to the Membership Secretary (Alison Jones). Membership subscription rates are £5.00 per adult and £2.50 for concessions.
For further details about the following events, or to tell us about an event in your area that the bat group may be able to attend please contact the Public Events Coordinator (Melanie Sutherland).
Bat talk at St Peter's Church, Pantside, Newbridge - date to be confirmed.
GoWild! at Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar on Saturday 14th June 2008
Biodiversity Boot Camp at Bargoed Park on Sunday 8th June 2008
Bat Walk at Barry Sidings Country Park led by Richard Dodd on Saturday 7th June 2008 during Wales Biodiversity Week
Bats, Owls, Moths and Stars at Waun Fawr Park, Crosskeys on Sunday 11th May 2008 - bat talk and survey by Erica Dixon and Alison Jones.
To take part in surveys organised by the group, you must be a member. For general information about surveys please contact the Survey Coordinator (Richard Dodd).
Members of the bat group can obtain training and experience with surveys and bat care and rehabilitation. The group usually offers a programme of surveys throughout the season from April to September and a winter programme of workshops and other training events.
Do you have bats in your home? Do you see bats flying in your area? Yes? Then please let us know by completing the Valleys Bat Group recording form and forwarding it to the Records Coordinator (Pete Wells), who will keep the records up to date and send them to SEWBReC.
We value all bat records, so please tell us about where you've spotted them (even if you're not sure which species they are) so we can learn more about the distribution of bats in the Valleys Bat Group area.
For more information about records please contact the Records Coordinator (Pete Wells).
To contact the Valleys Bat Group, please email the Secretary (Katherine Cooper).
If you have a general enquiry about bats please call the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline on 0845 1300 228.
For URGENT ENQUIRIES regarding bat care (including injured bats, bats flying in houses etc), please call Erica Dixon on 01443 816920 or 07969 626697.