Current Status

Price

€170

Get Started

Part 1: Online Theory

Bat Surveying for Beginners Part 1 & Part 2 is a blended training course combining online learning, live webinars, classroom teaching and fieldwork to provide a practical introduction to bat surveying in Ireland.

The course is designed for those wishing to develop their knowledge of bat survey methods used in ecological consultancy, research and conservation. Participants can complete Part 1 as a standalone theory course, or can then also progress to Part 2 for practical classroom and field-based experience.

Course Suitability

This course is suitable for:

Ecologists and ecological consultants
Graduates planning a career in ecology, environmental science or conservation
Conservation organisation staff
Anyone wishing to gain a foundation in professional bat surveying techniques

Prerequisites

Before attending this course, you must:

Complete the free Course 1: Introduction to Bats course available on this training platform (approx 1.5 hours completion time).
Have some experience using a bat detector, for example through surveying such as the Daubenton’s Waterways Survey or local bat group activities

Please note that successful completion of Part 1 is required before attending the in-person Part 2 of this course.

Course Details and Price

Bat Surveying for Beginners – Part 1 (Online Theory)

Cost: €170 per person

For group or invoice bookings, please email [email protected].

Please note: The video modules will be uploaded during the second week of August 2026. Students may register now and will be notified as soon as the course content becomes available.

Includes

Four pre-recorded lecture modules, comprising over 30 on-demand video lessons (approx 4-5 hour completion time)
Two live Zoom lectures on August 20th 2026 (recordings will be uploaded to the training platform afterwards for those who cannot join live)
Online quiz
Certificate of Completion (required for progression to Part 2 of this course)

What You’ll Learn

Module 1: Designing and Carrying Out a Bat Survey

Learn the foundations of bat surveying and how to design surveys.

You will learn:

The key stages of a bat survey
How to prepare before undertaking survey work
The role of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals
How to conduct Preliminary Roost Assessments of structures
When and how to undertake emergence surveys

Module 2: Surveying Buildings for Bats

Develop practical skills for assessing buildings for bat roost potential and understanding survey requirements.

You will learn:

The aims and objectives of building surveys
Where to find useful background information
Essential health and safety considerations
Equipment used during bat surveys
How to identify Potential Roost Features
Seasonal constraints and the role of night-time surveys
How to interpret evidence and communicate findings
Basic principles of impact assessment

Module 3: Surveying Bridges for Bats

Gain an understanding of the unique challenges associated with bridge surveys.

You will learn:

How to plan and undertake daytime bridge inspections
Methods used during daytime and night-time surveys
Health and safety considerations specific to bridge surveys
Seasonal limitations and survey constraints
How to assess survey results
Basic principles of impact assessment

Module 4: Tree Surveys for Bats

Explore the techniques used to assess trees for bat roosting potential.

You will learn:

The objectives of tree bat surveys
Equipment used during inspections
How to identify Potential Roost Features in trees
Seasonal considerations and survey timing
The role of night-time surveys
How to interpret findings and prepare survey conclusions
Basic principles of impact assessment

Live Online Workshops

As part of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend two live Zoom sessions. Recordings will be made available to all enrolled students who cannot attend live.

Live Session 1: Bat Activity Surveys

An introduction to the design and delivery of bat activity surveys, including survey objectives, detector deployment and habitat-based survey approaches.

Live Session 2: Introduction to Sonogram Analysis Using Kaleidoscope

Learn the fundamentals of analysing bat recordings and interpreting sonograms using Kaleidoscope software.

Test Your Knowledge and Earn a Certificate

At the end of the course, you’ll complete a comprehensive online assessment featuring:

Images from real bat survey scenarios
Waveform-based identification questions
Questions based on survey videos and practical examples

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion demonstrating your understanding of the core principles of bat surveying.

Register to attend this course

BCIreland Members please note: Our training platform is separate from the Bat Conservation Ireland membership website.
You’ll just need to create a quick account here to book and access your course—this only takes a minute.

To book your place register on our learning platform:

Click the “Log In To Enroll” button above
Click “Take This Course”
Open the Course Content section
Click “More Info, Booking Link and Terms & Conditions”
Use the booking link to pay and reserve your place

Course Access, Copyright and Acceptable Use Notice

Copyright Notice – Bat Conservation Ireland

The videos, presentations, documents, images, recordings, course materials and all other content provided as part of this course are the intellectual property of Bat Conservation Ireland and are protected by copyright and other applicable intellectual property laws.

Access to this course is granted solely to the individual who has enrolled and paid for the course. Course materials are provided for personal educational use only.

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

Sharing your login credentials with any other person.
Allowing others to access the course using your account.
Copying, downloading, recording, reproducing or distributing course content without prior written permission from Bat Conservation Ireland.
Uploading course materials to websites, social media platforms, file-sharing services or any other public or private location.
Using course content for commercial purposes, training delivery, or reproduction in other educational programmes without written consent.

Bat Conservation Ireland reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the course without refund if unauthorised sharing, distribution, reproduction or misuse of course content is suspected or identified.

By accessing this course, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and understand that unauthorised use or distribution of course materials may result in legal action and claims for damages where appropriate.