Course information

Videoscope inspection of tree cavity

Types of licence which can be obtained through the BLTC

• NE Bat Survey Licence (not Roost Visitor Licence) (with/without handling endorsement)
• CCW Roost Visitor Licence (with/without handling endorsement)
• NI Office Bat Survey Licence (with/without handling endorsement)

Please note that training is primarily towards a disturbance only licence. Whilst bat handling opportunities will be offered to all inoculated participants, it will not be possible to catch sufficient numbers of bats of different species to provide the necessary experience for a handling licence. However, any experience gained in this area during training may be counted towards this element of the licence , and we may be able to offer additional training for bat handling licences in future.

Outline of the BLTC training programme

• Pre-course experience - all participants will be required to have a minimum of 50 hours bat contact time, to include visits to at least 5 known roost sites
• Attendance at two residential courses (4 days each) which consists of classroom based learning and practical fieldwork
• Compilation of a training diary - it is expected that candidates will have acquired a minimum of 100 hours experience prior to attendance at the second residential course.

Through focussed training, an informal assessment and the submission of a training diary (including external experience), the tutors will assess each candidate’s suitability for becoming a licence holder.

Although every effort will be made to sign each candidate off for a licence, this cannot be guaranteed.  The licence reference is provided at the discretion of the tutors, who will carefully assess each candidate’s suitability.  In the unlikely event of a licence not being awarded, a full report will be issued to the candidate explaining why the award was not made.

Booking and further information

Please check our blog for course updates and availability, or contact us for further information or to make a booking.

Testimonial

“A tremendous course with a hugely comprehensive curriculum. Sandie and Richard, both outstanding bat trainers built on my confidence with theoretical and practical understanding of bats, survey, mitigation and the application of legislation. Field visits ranging from underground hibernation sites, barns, castles, bridges and trees to known purpose built roosts ensured the course covered every eventuality and developed knowledge of all areas of professional bat work at different stages of a bats life cycle. I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to any prospective bat workers.” Ben – senior ecologist at a national consultancy.