Bat Walks, Talks and Conference

Bat walks and talks have been back in full swing and I have genuinely loved being out with people again. Red lights, detectors in hand, that moment when someone hears their first pipistrelle and looks at you like you have just revealed a secret world. There is something powerful about making urban wildlife visible, or audible, to people who walk past it every day. Through the NightWatch project it has been about more than just pointing bats out. It is about confidence building, sharing knowledge and giving people the tools to notice what is already around them.

The bat conference added another layer, stepping into a room full of people who care deeply about the same niche, swapping data stories, field mishaps, conservation concerns. It is equal parts nerdy and inspiring. Being in that space reminds me that even small local walks connect into a much bigger network of research and advocacy. From evening talks in parks to national conversations about monitoring and policy, it all threads together.