Assessing Trees for Bats - Dorking, Surrey

A one day course giving participants;

• knowledge of legislation relating to bat roosts
• a better understanding of tree health and safety surveys
• an opportunity to view and survey a range of trees on site
• improved ability to categorise bat tree roost potential

Are you concerned that every tree you look at has bat roost potential?

Are you confused as to whether and when you should be advocating further surveys of trees?

Do you know when it may be acceptable to work ‘around’ bats or when you will need to seek a licence?

This is a one-day course for bat workers and tree/woodland workers.

The morning will be spent considering current legislation and best practice relating to tree surgery, woodland management operations, tree health and safety surveys, as well as planning and development. It will also cover the overlap between the growth, form and structure of trees and the use of trees as bat roosts.

The afternoon will consist of a stroll, looking at trees and their bat roost potential and discussing when and how to acquire further information.

At the end of the day attendees should be able to assign trees to a bat roost potential category and prescribe the next steps.

This course is intended for; Consultant Ecologists, Local Authority Staff, Park Wardens, Reserve Rangers, Land Managers, Trainees and Volunteers.

Tutor: Jonathan Bradley

About the tutor

Jonathan Bradley has 30 years experience of ‘earthy’ topics. For fifteen years he has run his own ecological consultancy company in South East England, working with anything from wildflowers to barn owls but specialising in trees, bats and planning regulations. He regularly teaches other professionals and students and has worked with volunteer and conservation organisations as a project leader both in the UK and abroad.

Schedule

The course runs from 9.00am-4pm with a break for lunch

What to bring

• Notebook, pencil, brolly or all-weather writer, stout boots, waterproof clothes, packed lunch (we will be able to go to a pub for lunch if preferred). We will walk a mile or two to look at trees. Binoculars are useful.

Please inform us of any medical requirements/conditions we should be aware of prior to the course.

Any problems on the day please call Jonathan Bradley (07785 180656).

Directions

If coming from the A25 by the Wotton Hatch pub, go about 2km and take what is actually the first left (if you ignore tracks and driveways) signposted ‘Broadmoor’ and ‘Henman Bunkhouse’.
If coming from Ockley/Forest Green or Abinger Common/Friday Street, keep going until you encounter a little grass triangle.
If from Abinger Common/Friday Street go left. If from Ockley/Forest Green go right/straight. After a few tens of metres take the right turning signposted ‘Broadmoor’ and ‘Henman Bunkhouse’
Postcode for Satnav: RH5 6JY

Google Directions click here

Feedback from previous courses

'I liked the practical nature - actually getting out and having an experienced person there to confirm your judgment'