Family Event: Bat Detecting at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

Bats are often associated with Halloween, so why not see if you can find any flying around the reserve during ‘spooky season’? As the sun sets over the reserve, come and have a go at spotting some of the wildlife that only becomes active after dark! Enjoy a tea, coffee or hot chocolate in the Visitor Centre as you hear all about the bats we might find on the reserve at this time of year, the noises they make and the best habitats for them. You'll also learn about bat detectors and how they can help us to spot bats and identify the different species. We'll then head out into the dark with our bat detectors, walking to some of the areas of the reserve providing the best habitats. How many will we spot, and can you hear the difference between the sounds they're making? Most of this event will take place outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. The reserve is not lit to avoid disturbing the wildlife, so we will be walking in the dark in a natural environment- whilst we will stick to footpaths, there will be uneven areas, mud and puddles, exposed roots etc. Please ensure everyone in your group is wearing suitable footwear, that children are supervised at all times and that you have a torch with you. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, everyone attending will need their own ticket. Please ensure you book for all adults and children. Toilets are available at the Visitor Centre, at the beginning and end of the event. It won't be possible to return to the Visitor Centre to access the toilets during the walk, which will last between 1 and 1.5 hours. We go ahead in most weathers, but extreme wind or rain may mean this event needs to be amended or postponed for safety reasons. In this situation, you will be contacted as soon as possible with further information. Charges apply in the car park, card/app payments only. Photo credit: Emma Bradshaw