This practical, in-person course is designed to build upon the knowledge gained during Part 1 and provide hands-on experience of bat survey techniques, equipment and field-based decision making.
Through a combination of classroom sessions and fieldwork, participants will gain a better understanding of how bat surveys are planned, undertaken and interpreted in real-world situations.
To receive a Part 2 Certificate of Completion, participants must:
- In order to attend this in-person course you must have completed Bat Surveying for Beginners – Part 1 coursework and received your certificate of completion
- Attend the classroom and fieldwork sessions
- Achieve a passing mark in the final quiz
Course Delivery
This course will be led by Bat Conservation Ireland staff ecologists. This is a non-residential, two-day course.
Topics Covered
During this course, participants will gain practical experience in bat survey planning, fieldwork and data interpretation through a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on field activities, including:
- Health, safety and biosecurity considerations for bat survey work
- Bat identification in the hand, supported by reference specimens and practical guidance
- Survey technologies, including bat detectors, acoustic recording equipment and thermal imaging
- Daytime reconnaissance techniques to identify suitable bat habitat and potential roost features
- Evening field surveys to assess bat activity, investigate potential roosts and evaluate site significance
- Review and interpretation of survey data, including sound recordings, thermal imagery and field observations
- Understanding survey limitations, follow-up requirements and future survey planning
- Online assessment featuring species identification and knowledge-testing exercises
What’s Included
The course fee includes:
- Light lunch on arrival
- Tea/coffee breaks
- A copy of An Identification Guide to Ireland’s Bats
- Certificate of Completion
- For participants at our Meath/Netterville course – an evening meal is included for attendees.
Course Details and Price
Bat Surveying for Beginners – Part 2 Fieldwork
€325 per person (non-members)
€310 per person (BCIreland members)
Option 1
Location: Cong Community Crossroads Centre, Cong, Co Mayo
Dates: 26 & 27 August 2026
Times: 2pm (light lunch on arrival) – 11.30am the next day
Option 2
Location: Netterville Institute, Dowth, Co Meath
Dates: 2 & 3 September 2026
Times: 1pm (light lunch on arrival) – 11.30am the next day
What participants should bring
- Comfortable outdoor clothing layers including hat and weatherproof gear, sturdy footwear.
- Head torch and hand torch and spare batteries
- Bat detector
- Water bottle and snacks for fieldwork
- Thermal imaging equipment if you have any
- Notebook and pens
Register to Attend This Course
BCIreland Members please note: Our training platform is separate from the Bat Conservation Ireland membership website.
You’ll simply need to create an account on this platform to book and access your course.
To book your place:
- Click the “Log In to Enrol” 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
For group bookings or invoice requests, please email [email protected].
