The Central Scotland Bat Group (CSBG) was founded in 1984 by a group of people who were interested in bats and wanted to learn more about them. The aim of CSBG aim is to further the cause of knowledge about bats and their need for conservation in every way possible. The group has close links with the Bat Conservation Trust Scottish Bat Officer. There are currently around 30 members, who pay a subscription of £5 pa. ( or £6 per household). CSBG operates in Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannan Council areas.
Members' activities include :-
- Taking part in National Bat Monitoring Surveys for the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT);
- Contributing to Local Biodiversty Action Plan (LBAP) and local wildlife events;
- Giving bat talks to various organisations and groups;
- Leading bat walks;
- Organising trainings for members to improve their skills.
- Taking part in the Out of Hours Helpline Service for the Bat Conservation Trust.
After office hours, phone calls, from people, in any part of the UK, who are experiencing a "bat emergency" are answered by trained volunteers. - In 2005 and 2006 CSBG has taken part in the Roadside Bats and Mammals Survey
This involves driving through the countryside after dark, complete with flashing beacon and global positioning system, recording bat echolocation calls and any other mammals seen.
Some of the group ready to visit the hibernaculum site in Aberfoyle in February 2008
Some members are professional workers in the environmental field, while others are enthusiastic amateurs. Several of the most experienced and knowledgeable members work under contract to Scottish Natural Heritage, helping to sort out bat related problems, especially with householders.
One of our members runs "Bats and the Millennium Link" (BaTML). This project's aim is to find out as much as possible about the ways in which bats use the Forth - Clyde Canal, including monitoring the changes occurring with the canal's increased usage since its reinstatement as a fully navigable waterway. A link to their Website is given in the "Related Sites" section.
We hold an occasional social event and a newsletter, "The Northern Natterer" is produced twice a year, in Spring and Autumn.
The group has a display which is available for any events or functions. It is small and easily portable. We are looking for new places to set it up. Suggestions to Chris Gould please.
For further information, and how to join the group, please contact Chris Gould on secretary@csbats.org.uk.
The CSBG website was set up with a grant from the Bat Conservation Trust
