Bat Walks at the WWT London Wetland Centre have something extra-special thanks to the beautiful surroundings that the site in Barnes offers. Created from reservoirs decommissioned in the 1980s, the site has been redeveloped into a gorgeous 42 hectare oasis in the middle of London, giving a home and very often a breeding ground to a wide variety of species.
Whilst no bats actually roost on site, the Centre has recorded regular visits from 9 species of bats, including the ever popular Soprano Pipistrelle, as well as the rarer Nathusius' Pipistrelle and bigger bats such as the Noctule and the Serotine.
The Centre records such high numbers of Pipistrelles every year that last year WWT joined forces with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller to build their very own Bat House. Generously sponsored by Berkeley Homes, the structure is hoping to attract some bats to roost on site come the autumn, and is a beautiful addition to the site.
The Big Batty Walks run yearly every Thursday from late June to mid-September, and coincide with the Centre's Late Night Openings in August this year. Included in your ticket price in August is entry to the site after 5pm, when you will be able to see the site in a different light - literally!
The walks themselves include a 40 minute talk from an expert from the Centre or the Bat Conservation Trust, featuring many strange and interesting facts about bats all over the world, followed by a walk around the site with bat detectors to try and find whatever species might have dropped in for a feeding frenzy. Wetlands mean insects, and insects mean bats, so you can't lose! But do remember to bring insect repellent for yourself...
For more information, visit the
website or call 0208 4094400 to book.
