Tutor: James Duncan
As the sun begins to set, the bats emerge from their roosting spots around Rye Harbour to flit overhead, hunting for insects. In recent years, nine different types of bat have been recorded in the area. Learn more about these mysterious creatures of the night by joining James on this special walk to look and listen for them.
The evening will begin with a short talk before we set out to search for bat species around the peaceful Castle Water part of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. We'll be armed with hand-held bat detectors to eavesdrop on their unique, high-frequency calls, not usually heard by humans.
A previous attendee of a guided walk with James said: A previous attendee of a guided walk with James said:
"Superb guide. Imparted knowledge well in an informal way."
James Duncan has led hundreds of walks and courses for Sussex Wildlife Trust and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of natural history and a wealth of fascinating facts to share.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a wetland habitat of international importance. There's a mosaic of habitats including grazing marsh, reedbeds, scrub, gravel pits and ditches, which support many rare and vulnerable wildlife species.
Meeting point: Just inside the village of Rye Harbour, at Harbour Road, next to the Church of the Holy Spirit, 4 Harbour Road, Rye Harbour, TN31 7TF. See Google Maps.
What3words: mailings.central.tablets
Parking: On road parking near the meeting point on Harbour Road.
What to bring: Warm clothes, torch, water and snacks. Please dress for the weather, waterproof footwear is recommended as the grass may be wet.
Toilet facilities: The nearest public toilets are in the village of Rye Harbour on Harbour Road, Rye Harbour, TN31 7TT, opposite the bus turning circle on the corner. The disabled toilet can be accessed with a radar key.
Accessibility: Our gently-paced short walk will start and end at Harbour Road. As paths in this part of the nature reserve are unsurfaced, the route is unsuitable for manual wheelchairs but should be accessible for more rugged mobility scooters.
Dogs: No dogs, except for assistance dogs, please.
Cancellation policy: Refunds are not usually available within 30 days of a scheduled event. Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Young people, aged 14-17, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
If you have any questions about this event, email: rhdcoffice@sussexwt.org.uk
Image: Brandt's Bat © Hugh Clark FRPS
