Going Underground on a Hibernation Survey

S2E20 Steve joins Helen Ball and other members of Staffordshire Bat Group as they undertake a winter hibernation survey for the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP). Recorded in February 2020 in the Staffordshire Peak District, they undertake the latest survey of disused lead mines searching for bats deep in torpor.

Helen reveals what it's like to undertake the survey (it's a VERY steep hillside!) and what sort of things you're likely to find in old mine adits. Apart from the bats - lots of bats - there's other wildlife down there too and the surveys have revealed just how important the site is for the bats of the Peak District.

Find out more about Staffordshire Bat Group:

The NBMP hibernation surveys: https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/national-bat-monitoring-programme

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https://www.bats.org.uk/events/big-bat-skills-event-online

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