22 May 2017

Woking Borough Council, as part of its Natural Woking initiative, will host a free presentation by Surrey Bat Group to highlight the importance of bats and the increasing need to conserve and enhance their local habitat.

On Wednesday 31 May, from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Council’s Chamber, Ross Baker and Lynn Whitfield from the local conservation group will give a brief presentation about the history of bats and also talk about key aspects of bat conservation, including the need for safeguarding, species distribution, recording and surveying.

Over the past century, bat populations have declined significantly in the UK, chief among the causes being habitat fragmentation and the intensification of agriculture. To further complicate matters, most bats only give birth to one pup a year, making them more vulnerable to population decline.

Open to interested residents and visitors, the free event is one of the many initiatives run by the Council’s Green Infrastructure team, which launched the Natural Woking Strategy in spring 2016.

The strategy aims to protect and enhance the natural environment for future generations. And, as the Borough continues to develop, it sets out how the Council will work with others to achieve positive outcomes for both people and habitats.

Cllr Beryl Hunwicks, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “In the UK, some bats are ‘indicator species’, because changes to these bat populations can indicate changes in aspects of biodiversity.

“Like all species, bats play an important role within our local environment. They’re essential natural pest controllers and can suffer when there are problems with insect populations or when habitats are destroyed or poorly managed.

“It’s important to highlight that everyone can positively contribute towards the conservation of bats. Find out how, including learning some interesting facts about our furry flying friends, on Wednesday 31 May. Tickets are free and it’s easy to book your place.”

To book free tickets, please email [email protected] or call 01483 755855.

For more information about Natural Woking, visit www.woking.gov.uk/naturalwoking.

To receive emails about Natural Woking’s initiatives, please subscribe to its enewsletter by emailing [email protected].

(Nathusius’ pipistrelle, photo credit: Daniel Hargreaves)

Article by Woking Borough Council