Bat Walk at Wollaton Park

Wollaton Park

Looking for an interesting wildlife activity this spring? Try going on a bat walk at Wollaton Park on the 26^th of April 2018. Expected to take over three hours, this exciting activity will start at 7:30 PM.

The members of the Nottinghamshire Bat Group will lead the tour. Hence, you can expect this activity to be full of learnings. Furthermore, prior to the walk, there will be an illustrated talk which will provide you with essential information about bats in general and those residing at Wollaton Park.

As finding these nocturnal creatures can be quite challenging, bat detectors will be used during the tour. These devices are meant to detect the ultrasonic calls bats make while they search for food. At Wollaton Park, these flying mammals usually forage for mosquitoes, beetles and other insects around the buildings and trees. They also spend time on areas surrounding the lake.

Nestled in the suburbs of Nottingham, Wollaton Park is home to different species of bats. According to reports, of the 18 species of bats found in the UK, 12 of them can be seen in Nottingham. Some of the bats species that commonly roost around Wollaton Park are the soprano pipistrelle (Popistrellus pygmaeus) and common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus). Other bat species found at the park are the noctule, whiskered and brown long-eared bats.

In addition to bats, deer freely roam around this 500-acre parkland. In fact, this place is famous for its deer park which houses around 120 fallow deer and 80 red deer. Reports show that herds of deer had been residing in this area since the 14^th century. The parkland also has diverse species of birds like jackdaws, sparrowhawks and tufted ducks.

If you plan to join the bat walk at Wollaton Park, make sure you reserve a slot early. Ticket price is £15.00 per person. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.

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Photo by Mr Thinktank