Two of Arbtech‘s consultant ecologists were in attendance for the National Bat Conference 2024 in September. The event itself was an opportunity for professionals in ecology to learn from bat experts and network with other ecologists from all over the country.
Organised by the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) and held at the University of Reading, the conference took place between the 13th and 15th of September, with our team involved as a way of keeping a finger on the pulse of the latest developments in the world of ecology and bat surveys.
National Bat Conference Offers Fresh Insights to Ecologists
Consultant ecologists Charlie Drapala and Harley Stone represented Arbtech at the National Bat Conference, bringing with them an enthusiasm for bats and an ongoing interest in knowledge sharing, networking and keeping updated on the latest changes to bat conservation.
With opportunities to speak face-to-face with academics, bat group members and fellow consultants, Charlie and Harley found the conference to be a highly valuable experience. It was also a good chance to maintain existing relationships with key industry figures, such as bat expert Richard Crompton, who has often provided vital bat training exercises and courses for Arbtechers.
From practical fieldwork to cutting-edge academic research, all areas of modern bat surveying were covered, and Thermal Vision Ecology even went as far as displaying an array of equipment for enhancing bat detection and monitoring. The featured tools used acoustic detection, advanced infrared and thermal imaging technology, serving as a demonstration of how they could assist bat assessments in the future.
Highlights from the 2024 National Bat Conference
After the conference, Charlie and Harley came away feeling inspired and eager to integrate new practices into their work at Arbtech. While the entirety of the event was interesting and insightful, certain talks and workshops were particularly thought-provoking for our consultant ecologists in attendance.
In the section below, Charlie and Harley explain what their favourite parts of the conference were:
Bat Tree Roosts Mitigation
Chloe Delgery and Jim Mullholland, BATS Research and Training
“The presentation on bat tree roosts from Delgery and Mullholland provided valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for mitigating the impact of development on tree-roosting bat species. It highlighted key issues such as the limitations of current mitigation options – namely translocation of roost features and bat boxes, and their drawbacks in terms of safety, longevity and species suitability.”
“Alternative methods for creating sustainable tree roosts are highly relevant for the work we do and will undoubtedly inform our approach in a consultancy setting, as they unlock practical knowledge that can be applied when devising mitigation strategies for tree-roosting bats.”
Lighting Mitigation for Bats”
Cody Levine, Worcestershire County Council
“Cody Levine‘s talk on ‘Site-to-Landscape Consideration of Artificial Light at Night‘ offered highly practical insights into the implementation of lighting mitigation for bat conservation. Drawn from real-world projects in Worcestershire, the examples he shared made it clear that this approach is not only ecologically beneficial but also highly feasible for developers and clients.”
“What stood out was the pragmatism of Levine’s approach by emphasising the scalability of these lighting mitigations – something especially valuable for consultancy work, as it offers a solution that balances the needs of development with the positive impacts on bat populations.”
“We will be incorporating the discussed lighting mitigation recommendations into our practice as the talk highlighted the clear ecological benefits of reducing light pollution while providing realistic, achievable solutions, making it a positive step forward for both biodiversity and responsible development.”
Wildlife Crime
Mark Goulding, Bat Conservation Trust (BCT)
“By sharing real-world examples in his talk on the ‘Overview of BCT’s Wildlife Crime Project‘, Goulding illustrated how the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) collaborates with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). It offered a concrete view of how investigations are conducted and the range of outcomes seen in wildlife crime cases, making for a clear and insightful presentation that emphasised the vital role of accurate and proportionate reporting in upholding the strength of wildlife protection laws in the UK.”
“One of the key takeaways was the importance of ensuring that reports are thorough yet proportionate, as this strengthens the integrity of wildlife legislation. Accurate and well-documented cases help maintain the legislative framework as a robust defender of wildlife.”
“As a result of Goulding‘s talk, Arbtech will be taking a proactive step to enhance our team’s understanding and handling of bat-related wildlife crime. We will be providing all consultants with an internal guide that consolidates key resources and offers clear guidance on this important topic. By equipping our consultants with this resource, we aim to ensure that all reporting is accurate, proportionate and aligned with legal standards, ultimately strengthening wildlife protection measures in addition to feeding into Goulding’s work with reporting wildlife crimes to the BCT.”
Genomic Research and Bat Conservation Under Climate Change
Dr Orly Razgour, University of Exeter
“A deeply fascinating exploration of the intersection between cutting-edge scientific research and conservation, Razgour held a talk on ‘Using Genomics to Inform Bat Conservation Under Global Change‘. It explained the use of genomics to better understand bat populations and their responses to climate change, and it was presented in a way that highlighted both the complexity of the science and its transformative potential for conservation strategies.”
“Razgour’s seamless delivery connected sophisticated genomic research with practical conservation outcomes and made it an engaging talk. It was a testament to how academia can play a crucial role in solving real-world challenges.”
“The presentation left the audience with a deep appreciation for the power of genomics in conservation science, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in both wildlife preservation and the future of ecological research.”
Lots of Insights to Bring Back to Arbtech
Coming away from the event, Harley and Charlie saw the National Bat Conference as an extremely helpful event based on the wealth of knowledge, practical insights and networking opportunities it offered. Returning with new ideas, tools, relationships and understandings will only enhance the service they provide to clients and Arbtech’s broader mission of providing expert ecological consultancy.
In particular, the conference reinforced the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advances and emerging research, which are crucial in adapting consultancy practices. Engaging with fellow professionals and learning from their experiences has further enriched Arbtech‘s ability to provide clients with cutting-edge advice and practical solutions in bat conservation efforts.
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