Let go on a Bat Hunt

We're going on a bat hunt in the countryside service ! Join us on a walk around Elvetham Heath on Saturday 1st September to see the exciting creatures that use the reserve after dark.   Lets see how many species of bats use the reserve and learn about their interesting lifestyles.  

There is also a bat walk at Fleet Pond on Friday 7th September.  Where hopefully we can see a different range of species that rely on the pond.  While we are walking we will also be on the look out for other exciting creatures that use the reserve such as moths and owls.

For more information about the walks please visit our website www.threesixfive.org.uk/countryside where you can also book our guided walks.  Spaces are limited so booking is essential so please either book online, phone us on 01252 623443 or email countyrside@hart.gov.uk to reserve your space.  Walks are charged at £2.50 per adult and £1.50 per child which goes towards management of the sites.

Hart Residents Enjoy Wild Night at Hazeley Heath

On Saturday 28th of July at Hazeley Heath the countryside rangers had great fun running the Life Nocturnal walk. Nineteen brave members of the public joined us to look for bats, Nightjars, owls and moths on this heathland nature reserve.

With help from some moth experts we ran a successful moth trap, capturing some interesting species.  We heard male and female Tawny Owl, but unfortunately didn’t hear any churring Nightjar. This cryptic nocturnal bird loves warm, still nights and it may have been a little chilly for them even though we have two breeding pairs in the southern section that we heard churring only the night before!

A brilliantly camouflaged Nightjar on Hazeley Heath - photo courtesy of James Herd

                                            

We did pick up some echolocating bats however using our bat detectors; hand held devises that pick up the high frequency calls of these flying mammals as they hunt for insects. Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared and Noctule were all heard as we wondered through Hazeley Heath in the dark.

For more bat walks, as well as more Hart Countryside Services walks and events please go to www.threesixfive.org.uk/countryside/guided-walks.