On Friday Night, ZERO Went Batty!

On a warm September evening, Friday 19th, our Bat Walk & Talk event proved a complete sell-out – and what a magical night it was.

Led by James and Caroline from the Surrey Bat Group, supported by Kenneth from Guildford Walk Fest, and organised by Sarah Davis at Zero Carbon Guildford, the evening was full of fascinating insights, curious questions, and plenty of bat action along the River Wey.

Learning About Our Local Bats

We began on the Town Bridge, where James and Caroline introduced us to the wonderful world of bats. Out of 18 species found in the UK, 17 breed here – and Guildford is lucky to play host to several of them. We learned about bat biology, their incredible echolocation (with a live demonstration), common myths, conservation challenges, and practical ways to support these vital creatures.

Armed with bat detectors, participants tuned in to the distinct clicks of bats navigating the dusk skies. For many, it was their first time using the devices – and the thrill was clear on everyone’s faces.

A Walk Along the Wey

As we moved along the river, we spotted bats darting around the bridge even before sunset. With darkness falling and insects plentiful, the air soon came alive with feeding bats. We identified Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, and the fast-skimming Daubenton’s bats. When James shone his powerful torch across the river, the Daubenton’s revealed their tiny white bellies as they zipped across the water – a delightful sight!

At times, as many as a dozen bats swooped and darted overhead, to the excitement of the crowd.

An Engaged and Curious Crowd

The Surrey Bat Group praised the group for their enthusiasm, excellent questions, and keen interest in echolocation. Sharing rescue stories and photographs, James and Caroline gave us a window into their tireless work caring for these often-misunderstood animals.

A Perfect Ending

The evening ended, fittingly, in a riverside pub, where stories of bats – and the evening’s shared wonder – continued long into the night. 🌙🦇

Thank You

Sarah Davis would like to thank Surrey Bat Group for such a stimulating evening, Guildford Walk Fest for their support, and of course all the participants for bringing curiosity, energy, and joy to the event.