Walk this way for close encounters with creatures of the night
19 August 2010
Calling all wildlife fans! Step into a fascinating twilight world as nocturnal species emerge for a night of hunting - and even hear them talk to each other - in a special event organised by British Waterways.
Nature lovers of all ages can enjoy an evening walk on Tuesday, August 24 from 8.15pm until 10pm at Kinver, near Stourbridge and make the most of this rare opportunity to see beautiful British wildlife in its natural surroundings.
British Waterways ecologist and bat specialist Paul Wilkinson will lead walkers along a two-mile stretch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal, armed with special detectors that contain ultrasonic microphones so humans can hear the sounds that bats make. However, other elusive creatures could also be lurking – walkers might see owls, foxes and badgers embarking on their night-time routine.
The free event ties in with the Bat Conservation Trust’s ‘European Bat Weekend’ (Aug. 28-30), held every August to bring people closer to bats. There are currently 17 known species of bat breeding in the UK, with a further two or three that migrate from Europe. Bats are a protected species and classed as a national priority for conservation because of their loss of habitat.
Canals and reservoirs not only provide bats with the water they need to rehydrate, they also attract midges and other flying insects which provide a ready feast for bats. This makes our waterways great places to observe bats - the Daubenton’s bat, in particular, is often seen to skim over the top of the water to feed on a variety of water insects and Pipistrelles will often feed over the water of a nearby river or pond.
As well as getting closer to Kinver’s bats, the walk will be an opportunity to find out how you can help bats closer to home. Bats help humans by consuming large quantities of insects and pests that can harm people and livestock, and we can return the favour by providing new habitiats for them. Anyone interested in finding out more can do so on the night, or contact your local bat group for advice.
British Waterways ecologist and bat specialist Paul Wilkinson, who will lead the walk, said: “There is so much to discover about these fascinating creatures and this walk will be a great way to experience bats in their natural environment – to identify them, hear them communicate and find out what you can do to help your local bat populations at home.”
The walk will proceed at a steady pace, is free of charge and open to everyone - children welcome if accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Vine Public House car park, Dunsley road, Kinver, near Stourbridge at 8.15pm. Dress suitable for the outdoors is recommended. Places are limited – please book in advance by calling 01827 252000 and asking for Paul Wilkinson / e-mail paul.wilkinson@britishwaterways.co.uk.
For wildlife spotting at any hour British Waterways runs an annual wildlife survey encouraging families to record sightings of all wildlife they see on the waterways. As part of the survey British Waterways is also running a photography competition for adults and children, with prizes of up to £100 available. To find out more and to download a wildlife survey guide, visit www.waterscape.com/wildlifesurvey.
ENDS
For further press information or to arrange media opportunities on the walk, contact: Suzannah Atkey, Marketing and Communications Executive (Midlands) on 01636 675773 / 07771379389 or e-mail suzannah.atkey@britishwaterways.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
Bats are fully protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitat Regulations 1994.
British Waterways cares for Britain’s 200-year-old network of historic canals, rivers and docks, which attract over 13 million people each year for walking, cycling, angling, boating or simply the peace and quiet. We wish to establish a ‘national trust’ for the waterways in order to secure the network for future generations and to give local people a greater say in how they are run. www.britishwaterways.co.uk