About the event

Join Herefordshire Wildlife Trust for an enchanting evening of bat spotting and orchard exploration! This event is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages, but we recommend it for individuals aged 12 and above due to the focus on listening to bat calls, which can be challenging for younger children.

The adventure begins approximately 45 minutes before sunset with an introductory talk and the chance to hear some fascinating bat sounds. We'll then meander through the orchard, where you might catch glimpses of Noctule and Pipistrelle bats while learning about the history and importance of these traditional habitats. As dusk settles, we'll continue our journey towards the picturesque bridge over the Lugg at Bodenhamchurch, where you can expect to encounter more species such as, Daubentons, with luck, Serotine and possibly a Lesser Horseshoe or two..

The event will be led by James Bisset. James grew up in a family passionate about landscape, wildlife, archaeology and community involvement, honing this at University and with BTCV (TCV) before moving through various roles with HWCC and subsequently Herefordshire Council since 1998. James now has over 40 years’ experience in all things nature conservation with the last 25 of those spent deep in the world of Bats across Herefordshire & UK. James’ passion for bats and ‘bat-tech’ is perhaps only matched by that for Orchards and their produce! 

Along the way, we'll pause at the church (beware of bat droppings in the porch!) before strolling through the charming old Bodenham village, where Pipistrelles and Long-eared bats often grace us with their presence. While the terrain is generally flat, ensuring a pleasant and accessible experience for all we are sorry but it is not wheelchair accessible. Loan bat detectors will be made available, or please bring your own if you have one. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the nocturnal wonders of Herefordshire's wildlife!