Bat Picnic at the Vicarage (27th August)

The below item has been sent in by Anthony Brandreth, the Hale Heritage Champion, for inclusion on the website News/Blog section.

On 27^th of August, 47 people attended a Bat walk and picnic at the Vicarage at Hale Village.

 Anthony Brandreth, the Heritage Champion for Hale worked in conjunction with Janice Collier, the vicar of ST Mary’s parish to introduce people to the sometimes misunderstood world of British bats.   Using sophisticated technology, a number of bat species were recorded.

Bat detectors where used to identify species through the frequency used during a process called ‘echolocation’ – a method used by all British species, who call at high frequencies to detect their insect prey.

 Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle and a Noctule bat where encountered during the event and people had time to ask questions and discuss the lifestyles of these fascinating and increasingly rare species.

 Moths were also on hand, a light trap had been set up and a number of common species were caught, before being identified and released back into the wild.

 The event was part of the ongoing series of events to promote Hale Park and the heritage interest of the historical village of Hale.

 Anthony said “ the event was a great success, thanks to the help of Janice and the enthusiasm of the local people who attended and not forgetting the local Bat population!  It shows that people are interested in their local natural heritage, and have concerns around the conservation of these important species, who indicate how well we manage local environments”

 The next event is a practical one – a chance for people to get involved in ‘Woodland Management’ on  27^th of September details from;

 Anthony Brandreth

Hale Heritage Champion

 Email;thomas.brandreth@halton.gov.uk