On the punt for bats with Scudamore’s bat safaris

When: 20th May – 9th September 2011, departures at dusk (check website for specific times)

Where: Scudamore’s Punting Company Ltd, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RS

£: Adult 15, concessions 13.50 and children 7.50 (50% of proceeds to The Wildlife Trust).

What is it?

Scudamore’s Punting Company launch a new chauffeur tour with a wildlife theme this summer.  Aimed at adults and children alike, the 90 minute excursion will provide a thorough introduction to one of nature’s most amazing and often misunderstood creatures – the bat.

To coincide with the International Year of the Bat, Scudamore’s will be running weekly bat safaris towards Grantchester Meadows in partnership with The Wildlife Trust.  These trips will be led by a wildlife expert and will include use of specialist bat detectors.

Expert guides will outline the notable characteristics and habitats of bats likely to be encountered on the trip and give tuition on how to use the detectors.  The hand-held detectors convert the bats’ biological sonar signals into audible frequencies.  Different species of bats operate at different frequencies and the ear can be trained to recognise specific calls.  With the help of experts people will be able to identify exactly what bats are flying close by the punts.

Despite there being nearly 1,100 different species of bats, few people appreciate the vital ecological role that these fascinating creatures play in sustaining our world.  Whether it is pollinating flowers or dispersing fruit seeds, bats are at the forefront of many important natural processes.

More info: Scudamore’s website and Twitter