Date: 20 September 2026
Activity: Bat box checks with Surrey Bat Group
Species Encountered: Noctule (Nyctalus noctula) – 3; pipistrelle species (Pipistrellus sp.) – 1
Boxes Checked: 35

Yesterday I joined the Surrey Bat Group for a bat box check, inspecting a total of 35 boxes across the woodland. The boxes were a mixture of larger hibernation-style boxes and smaller wooden slotted boxes, giving me the chance to see several different designs used to provide roosting opportunities for bats.

We found three Noctules and one pipistrelle during the checks. Even in boxes where bats were not present, many contained droppings, showing that they had been used previously. It was interesting to see how much information can still be gathered from a seemingly empty box through signs such as droppings and other evidence of occupation.

One of my favourite parts of the day was getting the opportunity to climb the ladder and check a box myself. Heights are definitely not my favourite thing, so I was a little apprehensive, but once I was up there it was actually fine. I was pleased that I gave it a go and it felt like another small confidence boost in the field.

Seeing the bats close up was also fantastic. Being able to observe their size, features and behaviour at such close range really reinforced how different species can be when you see them in the hand rather than only detecting them during an evening survey.

It was a really enjoyable and practical session, giving me more experience of bat box monitoring, recognising signs of box use, different bat box designs and safe field working. Experiences like this are particularly valuable as I continue building my practical bat survey skills.

Photographs