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The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) will be at Cannon Hill Park on 28th-29th May as part of the Lord Mayors Show, with their Count Bat Project. Count Bat is a series of open days to tell people about all things ‘batlike and involves fun activities for the kids (and adults), such as arts and crafts, bat games and lots more – including a live bat so you can get a close up look at what they’re really like. Batman and his batmobile will also be making an appearance – though he’s not quite the caped crusader we all know!
 | | Dressing up as bats |
The aim of Count Bat is to encourage a diverse mix of people into bat conservation and they’re particularly keen for people in urban areas to get involved. If you think this sounds like something that might be quite fun, take a look at what happened at the Balsall Heath event. Count Bat project – Balsall Heath The first event of the Count Bat project took place on Sunday 21st May. It was a great success and close to 100 people attended, despite the rain! Local children made 20 bat boxes which will be put up around the Balsall Heath area.
 | | Making bat boxes |
The Yurt (a tent that was set up in the grounds of the city farm) was a hive of activity with bat stories and was the place where you could see the star of the show - a live bat! People were amazed at the size of the tiny pipistrelle, the UK’s most common bat species, and even Batman himself put in an appearance. The bats of Balsall Heath were out and about that night and those that attended the bat walk were lucky enough to see and hear on bat detectors several pipistrelle bats flying and feeding in the area. Birmingham and the Black Country is home to 11 of the 17 species of bats – so there were lots to look out for.
 | | The Bat Van (Courtesy Bat Conservation Trust) |
BCT are keen for people to find out more about bats and become bat-friendly. Francesca Morrison Count Bat project officer said: “There are lots of things you can do to help conserve bats locally. "You could create a bat friendly habitat by planting night scented flowers in your garden, or you could become a member of BCT or your local bat group and take part in one of our National Bat Monitoring Programme surveys. "Why not come along to one of our Count Bat events and find out more about these fascinating little animals.” Don't forget to take a look at the pictures from the Balsall Heath event. Find out more
 | | Bat walk at night |
The Count Bat Project is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information on the activities taking place you can contact Francesca Morrison at BCT on: 0845 1300 228. If you need help with a bat, or if you want to know more about conserving bats, call the Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 or visit the BCT website www.bats.org.uk. | 
