Friday, May 4, 2012

Cave activity day to focus on bats

Conservation organisations are running a bat activity day to highlight the important populations of rare bats which live in caves and countryside in Devon.

The event is aimed at families and individuals with an interest in bats, geology and caves in and around Buckfastleigh.

It has been organised by The William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust (WPCST), Devon Wildlife Trust, Dartmoor National Park and the Devon Bat Group.

Jackie Gage, Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserve officer, said: "This should be a great event for local people to learn more about these amazing flying mammals that live and breed on our doorstep.

"Buckfastleigh is known to be one of the best places in the country for the rare greater-horseshoe bat which has declined over the past few decades due to habitat loss and changes in farming practices."

The free event is on May 19 and runs from 10am to 3pm at the WPCST Centre, Russets Lane, Buckfastleigh. Activities will include bat box making, bug box making, guided walks of the quarry and Joint Mitnor cave, bat arts and crafts and the chance to see some live bats.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Cave activity day to focus on bats

Conservation organisations are running a bat activity day to highlight the important populations of rare bats which live in caves and countryside in Devon.

The event is aimed at families and individuals with an interest in bats, geology and caves in and around Buckfastleigh.

It has been organised by The William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust (WPCST), Devon Wildlife Trust, Dartmoor National Park and the Devon Bat Group.

Jackie Gage, Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserve officer, said: "This should be a great event for local people to learn more about these amazing flying mammals that live and breed on our doorstep.

"Buckfastleigh is known to be one of the best places in the country for the rare greater-horseshoe bat which has declined over the past few decades due to habitat loss and changes in farming practices."

The free event is on May 19 and runs from 10am to 3pm at the WPCST Centre, Russets Lane, Buckfastleigh. Activities will include bat box making, bug box making, guided walks of the quarry and Joint Mitnor cave, bat arts and crafts and the chance to see some live bats.