An intensive two-day course combining classroom learning and fieldwork to develop advanced bat handling, trapping, and identification skills.

Course Suitability

This course is not suitable for beginners. It is designed for individuals who are interested in working towards obtaining a licence to handle bats for research or other authorised purposes.

To attend this course, you must have:

• At least three years’ field experience in bat survey and identification
• Up-to-date rabies vaccination (evidence must be submitted in advance, via the Assignments section on this platform)

Course Details and Price

Specialist Bat Handling and Trapping (In-person classroom & fieldwork)
Location: Virginia, Co. Cavan
Dates: 10–11 August 2026
€600 per person (non-members)
€575 per person (BCIreland members)

Please note: Accommodation is not included.

Course Content

This in-person two-day/evening course includes a combination of classroom talks and field sessions covering:

• Irish bat species
• Handling and trapping etiquette
• Handling techniques
• Identification (lectures and practical sessions using dead specimens)
• Practice setting up and dismantling traps in a classroom setting
• On-site fieldwork, including setting up traps, removing bats, and handling live bats

Register to attend this course

To book your place register on our learning platform:

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

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