Talking Bat

Talking Book with Chris Stone (European Deserts)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:39:03 +0000

Chris Stone is an environmentalist & author. We are delighted to be talking with him here about his new book, published in February 2026, 'European Deserts - Sandy Wilderness on a Green Continent'. During the interview we explore the background to the book, some of the key points that Chris is seeking to make within its covers, & also Chris's experiences as an author.

European Deserts - Sandy Wilderness on a Green Continent' find out more here

Geograph - Photograph every grid square! - find out more here

Talking Club (March 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:16 +0000

Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to.

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Ecology Expo 2026 find out more here

Mammal Society Conference 2026 find out more here

Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush - new book by Neil Middleton

Talking Book with Neil Middleton (Our Man Incognito)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:31:17 +0000

During this interview, Aileen Hendry interviews Neil Middleton about his newly published book, 'Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush'. We discuss the background to the book, a selection of short humerous stories based on everyday life events, as well as numerous associated subjects.

Neil Middleton - Author website here

'Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush' find out more here

Talking Book with Frank Rennie (The Merlin)

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:01:23 +0000

Frank Rennie is the author of numerous books, including his latest one, 'The Merlin - The Ecology of A Magical Raptor'. During this interview we are delighted to be talking to Frank about his experiences as an author, as well as the backdrop to this latest book. And, of course, as you would expect, there are a number of interesting tangents as our chat evolves.

The Merlin - The Ecology of A Magical Raptor here

The Corncrake - An Ecology of An Enigma here

Among The Layers of The Land here

The Changing Outer Hebrides here

Talking Club (February 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:19:04 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush - new book by Neil Middleton

Talking Bird with Dr Mateo Ruiz (Barn Owl Trust)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:53:00 +0000

Dr Mateo Ruiz is Head of Conservation at the Barn Owl Trust, after having first completing his post-graduate research on bird communities in coastal wetlands of Mexico. During this session we discuss in depth his experiences & career journey to date, along with exploring some of his other interests.

Barn Owl Trust - find out more here

Talking Club (December 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:24:03 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Botany with Ben Averis (Botonist & Artist)

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:11:06 +0000

Here we are delighted to bring to you an interview with Ben Averis. Ben is highly respected within the ecology sector for his knowledge on botany, & along with his wife, Alison Averis, they have created sought after consultancy services, delivering many specialist botonatical surveys & training. As well as botany, Ben is also an artist, a musician & a poet, all of which we touch upon during this chat. Follow Ben on BlueSky: @averisben.bsky.social

Ben & Alison Averis website

Ben Averis Art website

Botanical Society of Scotland website

Talking Dubai Wildlife with Gary Burns (Dubai Transit Birding, Herping & Mammals)

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 18:42:19 +0000

An excellent interview with Gary Burns, an experienced & highly respected wildlife guide & natural history photographer based in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). He offers wildlife tours for those transiting through Dubai, or in the area already be that on holiday or more permanently. We have used Gary oursleves during a trip to the area, & were astonished to see what the area had to offer. Find out now for yourself - listen to this podcast.

Dubai Birding, Herping & Mammals website

Dubai Transit Birding, Herping & Mammals facebook

Barn Owl Trust

Talking Club (November 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:46:50 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Dragonfly with Dave Smallshire (Author, Wildlife Guide & Birder)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:50:25 +0100

Dave Smallshire is hugely respected in the world of dragonflies, a subject about which he has authored many books, & also played a key part in their conservation. As well as all of this, he is a keen birder, photographer & an experienced wildlife guide. During this interview we explore many aspects of his life journey.

Dragonflies Of Britain & Ireland book

Europe's Dragonflies book

British Dragonfly Society

Talking Snow Leopard with Dr Jonny Hanson (Snow Leopard Trail short film)

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:12:38 +0100

Dr Jonny Hanson is a Research Fellow at Queen's University (Belfast), an award-winning social entrepreneur, & an affiliate of the Snow Leopard Conservancy. His PhD research was centred on Snow leopard conservation. This, amongst other things, has lead to a short film (Snow Leopard Trail) about sharing landscapes with apex predators. The subject matter is of relevance to us here in Britain & Ireland, during a time when re-introduction of lynx is being discussed. The film is touring during late 2025 & 2026, with first showings at Queen's Film Theatre (22nd Oct 2025) & Clones Film Festival (23rd/26th Oct 2025)

Snow Leopard Trail - watch the teaser here

Living With Lynx - find out about the book here

Snow Leopard Conservancy - find out more here

Jonny Hanson website here

Talking Club (October 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:22:36 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bird with Simon Tonkin & Niki Williamson (Inglorious Bustards)

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:01:38 +0100

An excellent interview with Simon Tonkin & Niki Williamson, the owners of Inglorious Bustards, based in Andalucia, Spain. During our chat we talk about, setting up their business, bird migration, eco-tourism, the trips they organise & the conservation work they are involved with in The Gambia.

Inglorious Bustards - visit here

Flyway Birding Association - visit here

Talking Conference - National Bat Conference - Durham 2025

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:51:50 +0100

During the Bat Conservation Trust's National Bat Conference (Dutham, Sept 2025) we had the pleasure of catching up with many old friends, & meeting some new ones. Here we have created a podcast which includes some of the many people we engaged with. Massive thanks to all, including the following podcast participants - in order of appearance, as follows:
Nigel Massen (Pelagic Publishing)
Steve Powell/Daniel Moonen (NHBS Ltd)
Oliver Devereux (Thomas Jacks Ltd)
Andrew Milner/Liat Wicks/Kate Volodarets (Thermal Vision Ecology)
Sarah Deans (Lotek UK Ltd)
Tiffany Jedrecka/Kate Denton (Nature Metrics)
Sam Davis (Reflex Cameras)
Josef Carlson (BioSonic, Sweden)
Andreia Correia da Costa (Bat Conservation Trust)
Carrie-Ann Coxon Illustrations
David Koller (Elekon AG - Switzerland)
Dilly Hoyt (Fox Mountain Glassworks)
Martin Bailey (Wildlife & Countryside Services / Poland Trips)
Paul Howden-Leach (Wildlife Acoustics)

Talking Book with George Bemment (author of 'Bats & Ladders')

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:25:48 +0100

Here we are delighted to be speaking with George Bemment about the recently published 'Bats & Ladders, Stories from the Real World of Bat Conservation'. George has been involved with mammals her whole working life, as a zookeeper for 5 years, before taking a zoology degree & then in 1988 joining a national bat conservation project. Professional & voluntary bat work has dominated her life. A mammalogist at heart, she has also taught as a part-time lecturer in mammalogy (Exeter University), sat on the Council of the Mammal Society, & is a founding member of the Devon Mammal Group

Bats & Ladders - find out more about the book here

The Bat Conservation Trust

Talking Club (September 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:11:41 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Ultra-Marathon for Bats with Anne Youngman

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:12:08 +0100

Anne Youngman was the Bat Conservation Trust’s (BCT) first Scottish Bat Officer from 2003 to 2017, & is very well known & respected within the bat community. This is her 4th time on Talking Bat, & on this occasion we focus on her latest challenge, this time to complete the 100 km St Cuthbert’s Way ultra-marathon. A challenge that could take >19 hours to complete. Did she do it? Find out here. Why? It’s all for charity \o/ in order to raise money for The Bat Conservation Trust.

Make your donation here on Anne's Just Giving page.

Talking Podcast 10,000 Special with Neil Middleton & Aileen Hendry (BatAbility)

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:42:37 +0100

A 'one off' special just for our podcast audience. Aileen Hendry interviews Neil Middleton about the recent Talking Bat milestones achieved: >100 episodes & >10,000 downloads.

^o^ A massive thanks to all of our amazing guests & all of our fabulous listeners. :-)

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bird with Lucy McRobert (Author, Columnist, Birder & Naturalist)

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:54:35 +0100

Thought provoking, engaging, entertaining & aspirational are all things we can say about our guest, Lucy McRobert. In addition to her role at The Sound Approach, Lucy writes a monthly column for the hugely respected Birdwatch magazine, & has authored two books, so far (more on the way!). Really enjoyed our chat, & getting her perspectives on so many aspects of life, being a birder & being an author.

Blue's Planet (Australia) book

365 Days Wild book

Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust

Talking Club (August 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:31:22 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Book with James Shipman (author 'Identifying Bats of Britain & Ireland')

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 21:40:39 +0100

Delighted to invite James Shipman back for a second time on our Talking... series. This time we are focussing on his recently published book:
Identifying Bats of Britain & Ireland - A Field Workers Guide

Bat Conservation Trust

Talking Bat with Ian Agranat (Wildlife Acoustics)

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:50:35 +0100

Ian Agranat is the founder & CEO at Wildlife Acoustics, an organisation that supplies a huge amount of bio-acoustics hardware & software solutions worldwide. During this interview we explore Ian's backstory, the lead up to the launch of the business, & the current challenging economic/political climate within which a US based company is operating.

Wildlife Acoustics

The Nature Connection

Talking Club (July 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:37:00 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Jim Mullholland (BATS Research & Training)

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:57:47 +0100

An excellent conversion with Jim Mullholland, director of BATS Research & Training. Jim has been involved with bat research since 2005, & is also a qualified arboriculturist, as well as having a diploma in teaching & training. He is highly respected in his field of expertise, & heavily involved in bat-related training.

Bat Conservation Trust Nightwatch project

Talking Club (June 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 30 May 2025 12:46:13 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Adria Lopez-Baucells (Researcher & Author)

Wed, 14 May 2025 17:46:47 +0100

Adria Lopez-Baucells is a bat researcher & conservationist at the Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers. He carried out his PhD (University of Lisbon, 2018) on the Effects of Amazonian rainforest fragmentation on tropical bats using autonomous ultrasound detectors, which also resulted in the publication of his first book: 'Field Guide To The Bats of the Amazon'
Ardia Lopez-Baucells website
Bat Monitoring Programme website

Talking Club (May 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 17:05:12 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Book with Dr Paul F Donald (author of 'Traffication')

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:28:41 +0100

Dr Paul Donald is a senior conservation scientist (Birdlife International) with >30 yrs experience conceiving, planning, funding & managing high-impact projects on a wide range of issues, & has published research in many of the world’s leading scientific journals. During this interview we take a look at some of Paul's previous work, his passion for larks, & then move on to discussing his latest book 'Traffication - How Cars Destroy Nature & What We Can Do About It'.

Traffication - How Cars Destroy Nature & What We Can Do About It

Birdlife International - Donate Here

Ornithological Society Of The Middle East The Caucasus and Central Asia - Join Here

Facing Extinction - The World's Rarest Birds and the Race to Save Them

Talking Club (April 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:40:18 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Dr Orly Razgour (University of Exeter)

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:03:25 +0000

Delighted to be chatting with Dr Orly Razgour (University of Exeter), who is an Associate Professor in Global Change Ecology, as well as Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. Describing herself as a molecular ecologist & conservation biologist, Orly's research is applied in nature, aiming to provide the evidence base for managing our environment.

Dr Orly Razgour on ResearchGate

Bat Conservation Trust

Talking Club (March 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:11:49 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

'Talking Coexistence' with Dr Jonny Hanson (author 'Living With Lynx')

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:53:59 +0000

Dr Jonny Hanson @jonnyhhanson is a Research Fellow at Queen's University (Belfast), an award-winning social entrepreneur, & the author of the recently published 'Living With Lynx - Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves & Bears'. During our conversation we look at various perspectives around the subject matter of the book, as well as other associated topics.

'Living With Lynx' book here

Dr Jonny Hanson website here

Snow Leopard Conservancy

Snow Leopard Trail documentary teaser here

Talking Animal Welfare with Kate Myers (Speaking Of Animals Outreach)

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:53:11 +0000

Know Better, Do Better! Kate Myers is the founder of Speaking Of Animals Outreach. Describing herself as a visual storyteller, film producer & author, Kate has worked for animal welfare her entire adult life having previously held numerous positions including being Executive Director of Washington State Humane Association.

Speaking of Animals Outreach website
Speaking of Animals Outreach Facebook
Speaking of Animals Outreach Instagram
Email Contact: kate@speakingofanimalsoutreach.org

Talking Bat with Kit Stoner (Chief Executive of Bat Conservation Trust)

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:28:00 +0000

Kit Stoner is the Chief Executive of the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) based in the UK, as well as Vice Chair of Environmental Investigations Agency, & a trustee of BatLife Europe. During this interview we touch upon all aspects of her working life journey, which started of in publishing, advertising & training, before moving into bat conservation, a decision which would eventually take her to becoming Chief Executive of BCT. Of course, like many of our interviews, we also explore aspects of Kit's non-working life.

Talking Club (February 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:14:59 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Poland with Martin Bailey (Wildlife & Countryside Services)

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:32:27 +0000

Martin Bailey is the owner of Wildlife & Countryside Services, based near Rhyl (North Wales). He is an experienced ecologist & biodiversity consultant, specialising in mammals, wildlife habitat creation/restoration & environmental education. He describes himself as 'living in a wood, trying to be sustainable, ethical & helping people'. During this chat we look at his life journey to date, as well as his regular journeys to Poland, where he takes clients to see what biodiversity in the UK should look like.

Wildlife & Countryside Services website

Visit Poland with Martin Bailey

Wild Justice website

Talking Club (January 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:55:07 +0000

\o/ Happy New Year 2025 \o/ Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to.

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Books with Ed Drewitt (Professional Naturalist & Author)

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 13:26:54 +0000

Ed Drewitt is a professional naturalist, wildlife detective, trainer, broadcaster & author. Dedicated to sharing the wonders of the natural world & committed to inspiring the next generation of nature enthusiasts, empowering individuals to connect with the environment.

Ed has written three books, all of which we discuss during the interview, including his latest one, Bird Pellets - A Complete Photographic Guide. We also take a deep dive into his passion for Peregrine falcons, a subject he has been studying for over 20 years.

Ed Drewitt website

Glouscestershire Wildlife Trust

Talking Bat with Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellin (The Bat Man of Mexico)

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:27:51 +0000

A fascinating insight into the life of Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellin (Senior Professor of Ecology & Conservation, Institute of Ecology - National Autonomous University of Mexico). Rodrigo's credentials are numerous & at the highest level, with multiple key positions held, publications produced & awards to his name.

Find out more about Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellin here

ResearchGate - Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellin

The Bat Man of Mexico - find out more here

Whitley Fund For Nature - Mexico's Bat Man

Bat Conservation Trust (UK)

Talking Club (December 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 17:43:08 +0000

\o/ Christmas Special \o/ Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to.

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Dr Rohit Chakravarty (NCF India)

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:06:53 +0000

Dr. Rohit Chakravarty works for the Nature Conservation Foundation (India) as a Project Manager (High Altitudes) where as a bat researcher he is carries out studies in different landscapes, predominantly the Himalayas of Uttarakhand & the Andaman Islands. A delightful conversation exploring his life story so far & his other interests, especially birds.

Follow Rohit on Twitter(X): @paintedbat

Find out more about Rohit's research here on ResearchGate

Talking Club (November 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 17:40:32 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Guano with Neil Middleton (BatAbility Courses & Tuition)

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 15:41:54 +0100

October 2024 catch up :-)

^o^ Something just for our podcast audience.

Sometimes light-hearted, occasionally a little more serious! Here are some random thoughts from your Talking Bat host, Neil Middleton :-)

Email address for feedback: neil.middleton@batability.co.uk

Talking Club (October 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:31:40 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Conference with Neil Middleton & Guests

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:54:43 +0100

During the Bat Conservation Trust's National Bat Conference (Reading, Sept 2024) we had the pleasure of catching up with many old friends, & meeting some new ones. Here we have created a podcast which includes some of the many people we engaged with. Massive thanks to all, including the following podcast participants - in order of appearance, as follows:
Andrew Dobson/Lauren Dobson (Titley Scientific)
David Koller (Elekon AG - Switzerland)
Nigel Massen (Pelagic Publishing)
Naomi Webster/Andreia Correia da Costa (Bat Conservation Trust)
Ryan Smith/Katie Smith (Smith Robotics)
Martin Bailey (Wildlife & Countryside Services / Poland Trips)
Mark Fisher/Laura Gage (NHBS Ltd)
Jethro Block/Andrew Milner (Thermal Vision Ecology)
Paul Howden-Leach (Wildlife Acoustics)

Talking Moth with Marc Holderied (Professor of Sensory Ecology)

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:18:09 +0100

Delighted here to be chatting with Marc Holderied (Professor of Sensory Ecology, University of Bristol) who is a sensory ecologist & bioacoustician, with strong links to bio-inspired engineering. His research expertise lies in the emerging fields of acoustic camouflage & biosonar navigation, with a passion for acoustic arms races & wildlife acoustics.

Read about Marc Holderied's research here on ResearchGate

Attacus Acoustics

Hodgkin House

Talking Club (September 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:51:57 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Email address for Aileen Hendry - aileen.hendry@batability.co.uk

Talking Bat with Danilo Russo (Professor of Ecology)

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:03:44 +0100

Delighted to have Danilo Russo here on Talking Bat. Danilo is a Professor of Ecology based at University of Naples Federico II, as well as an Honorary Professor of Ecology at University of Bristol. He describes himself as an ecologist, ethologist & conservation biologist, & he is also a former Chair of EUROBATS advisory committee.

Danilo Russo ResearchGate

Animal Ecology & Evolution Facebook page

Charitable donation went to Wildlife Alliance

Talking Photography with Laurie Campbell (Professional Natural History Photographer)

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 09:12:26 +0100

Laurie Campbell is an award winning natural history & landscape photographer. During this interview we cover his background, as well as many fascinating stories about his adventures & experiences.

Laurie Campbell Natural History Photographer

Otters - Ripples On The River book

Trees For Life

Talking Club (August 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:33:01 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Creaky Old Bat with Anne Youngman (St Cuthberts Way Ultra-marathon Debrief)

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:56:09 +0100

Anne Youngman was the Bat Conservation Trust's (BCT) first Scottish Bat Officer from 2003 to 2017, & is very well known & respected within the bat community, not only in the UK, but also much further afield. This is her 4th time on Talking Bat, & on this occasion we look back on her most recent challenge (a 100km ultra-marathon). A quick reminder as to why she was doing it. It's all for charity \o/ in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support & HospiceCare North Northumberland, two amazing organisations which helped her & her family at a time when they didn't know where to turn.

Take a listen & find out how she got on, as well as what's next for the 'Creaky Old Bat'.

Just Giving Page
Anne’s 100k ultra marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support & HospiceCare North Northumberland

Talking Bat with Kelly Sheldrick (Christmas Island Marathon Wildlife Fundraiser)

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 12:31:22 +0100

Delighted to be Talking Bat with Kelly Sheldrick (Citizen Science Program Manager - Conservation Council of Western Australia) ahead of her fundraising Christmas Island Marathon in honour of the 100 species that have gone extinct in Australia, including the Christmas Island Pipistrelle. All in all, this will help to raise awareness of biodiversity loss & the failure of policy to respond to a rapidly changing environment.

A Bat's End: The Christmas Island Pipistrelle and Extinction in Australia by John Woinarski

Remembering the Christmas Island Pipistrelle Wildlife Fundraiser - donate here

Talking Bird with Dr Mark Avery (Author, Writer & Wildlife Campaigner)

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:13:15 +0100

During this interview we talk with Mark Avery whose previous roles include 13 years as Conservation Director at RSPB, as well as a former chair of World Land Trust. Described these days as a blogger, writer, author & wildlife campaigner, Mark has been involved with many important discussions at the highest level relating to the conservation challenges faced in our part of the world, including books on the subject, as well as the activities of Wild Justice, an organisation he co-founded.

Inglorious: Conflict in the Uplands

Mark Avery books published by Pelagic Publishing

Reflections - What Wildlife Needs and How to Provide it

Talking Bat with James Shipman (Ecologist, Researcher & Trainer)

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 11:49:36 +0100

James Shipman is a BCT Pete Guest Award winner (2016) & highly respected within the bat community for his contributions towards bat conservation & training. Here we are delighted to be chatting with him about his career progression to date, as well as the forthcoming book (due out early 2025) entitled: Identifying Bats of Britain and Ireland - A Field Worker’s Guide

Gib-bats (The Gibraltar Bats Project)

Talking Bird with Alan Dalton (Wild Bird Acoustics Podcast & Artist)

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 13:50:38 +0100

Born in Ireland & based in Sweden Alan Dalton (@Blogbirder) is a life long birder who is highly respected for his artwork & acoustic recordings of birdlife. He has his own podcast show entitled 'Wild Bird Acoustics' which takes listeners through various sound inspired journeys, as well as opportunities to learn more about bird sound & behaviour.

Alan Dalton - Blogbirder.blogspot.com

Cape Clear Island Bird Observatory

Talking Club (July 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:10:07 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Creaky Old Bat with Anne Youngman (Another Ultra-marathon)

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 08:51:53 +0100

Anne Youngman was the Bat Conservation Trust's (BCT) first Scottish Bat Officer from 2003 to 2017, & is very well known & respected within the bat community, not only in the UK, but also much further afield. This is her third time on Talking Bat, & on this occasion we focus on her next challenge, this time to run a 100 km ultra-marathon on 20.07.24, a challenge that could take almost 19 hours to complete. Why? It's all for charity \o/ in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support & HospiceCare North Northumberland, two amazing organisations which helped her & her family at a time when they didn't know where to turn.
Run Anne Run - Give Folks Give!

Just Giving Page
Anne’s 100k ultra marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support & HospiceCare North Northumberland

Talking Bat with Steve Roe (BCT Vice Chair & BatChat Podcaster)

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:26:14 +0100

Steve Roe (Vice Chair of BCT & Pete Guest Award winner 2023) is the producer & presenter of BCT's award winning BatChat podcast. He gets many opportunities to interview people about bat work in the UK. This time we get the opportunity to turn the mic & interview him \o/. Find out lots about his back story (he started his 'bat life' early!) & achievements to date, as well as some thoughts on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals within the ecology sector.

Bat Conservation Trust (BCT)

CIEEM Article - Supporting LGBTQ+ Professionals

Talking Plant with Joshua Styles (Styles Ecology Ltd)

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:30:21 +0100

Here we talk with the delightful, highly respected & knowledgeable botanist, Joshua Styles of Styles Ecology Ltd & British Botany, covering some of his back-story, his career progression to date, as well as the expertise & services he has to offer the ecological sector.

North-West Rare Plant Initiative

The Wildlife Trust for Manchester, Lancashire & North Merseyside

Talking Bird with Sean Ronayne (Irish Wildlife Sounds)

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 09:28:52 +0100

A Cork-born ornithologist, Sean Ronayne returned home to Ireland after living in Barcelona for 3 years. He is a highly respected wildlife sound recorderist (Sound Of The Year awards winner 2020), & is almost at the end of a journey to record all of the birds present in Ireland, a journey that has taken him to the highest level of appreciation for all of his hard work & resilience. Want to know more? Listen to the interview :-)

Irish Wildlife Sounds

The Tommy Tiernan Show with guest Sean Ronayne

Follow Sean Ronayne on Twitter: @SoundsIrish

Talking Club (June 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 31 May 2024 11:55:07 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Fiona Mathews (Professor of Environmental Biology)

Sat, 25 May 2024 06:01:00 +0100

Fiona Mathews is highly respected internationally for her academic work on mammals (including bats) & other subjects. She is the founding chair of Mammal Conservation Europe, a former chair of the Mammal Society, a trustee of the Kasanka Trust (UK), the co-founder & director of Ecotype Genetics Ltd, & also serves on the Eurobats Scientific Advisory Committee. Add to all that, her recent book Black Ops and Beaver Bombing: Adventures with Britain's Wild Mammals (April 2023) - my word, we certainly had lots to chat about.

Fiona Mathews ResearchGate

Talking Bird with Jonny Rankin (Fundraiser, Birder's Twitter & Birders Space)

Sun, 19 May 2024 00:43:04 +0100

Many have listened to him on Birder's Twitter, so we felt we should get him on here for an interview & find out more about Jonny Rankin who is well known & highly respected within birding circles. And we certainly ticked all the boxes as we explored Jonny's backstory, his extreme fundraising activities (Dove Step & Tern The Tide), as well as more background about Birder's Twitter, & the Birder's Space website & podcast.

Follow Jonny on Twitter: @step_dove

The Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project

Talking Bat with Andrew Dobson (Titley Scientific)

Sat, 11 May 2024 10:02:42 +0100

If you deal with Titley Scientific in Europe then the chances are you have had the pleasure of meeting (or at least communicating with) their UK/Europe Sales Support Manager, Andrew Dobson. We felt it would be great to let you find out so much more about the person behind the products & services they distribute in Europe, & this interview certainly gets well into Andrew's background prior to & after the relaunch of Titley Scientific in 2013.

Follow Titley Scientific on Twitter

Talking Bat with Dr Hannah Mueller (Phoenix Ecology - New Zealand)

Sun, 05 May 2024 08:44:39 +0100

Dr Hannah Mueller recently set up her own environmental/ecological consultancy in New Zealand (Phoenix Ecology Ltd). She is an ecologist with expertise in a wide range of ecological matters, with a key focus on finding management solutions to environmental challenges that work with nature’s principles & restore ecosystems using a landscape-scale approach. During this interview we talk about her experiences setting up & running the business, as well as going into a little bit of detail regarding bat consultancy work in New Zealand.

Find out more about Hannah's research here

Visit the Bat Research Organisation here

Talking Club (May 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Wed, 01 May 2024 08:25:18 +0100

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Dr Dean Waters (University of York)

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 08:46:32 +0100

Dean Waters is highly respected within the world of bats & academia for his research, separate to which he describes himself as an Ecology, Acoustics & Imaging Consultant, as well as a mediocre photographer.

During this interview we explore his back story, as well as discussing some of his research interests, which include bat biology, conservation, bioacoustics & biomimetics (using biology as inspiration for engineering).

Find out more about Dean's research here

Find out more about the UltraCane here

Talking Bat with Miranda Collett (Collett Trust for Endangered Species)

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 07:45:17 +0100

Miranda Collett spends her time between Jersey & Argentina. She certainly has an interesting life story, & during this interview we learn all about her professional career, which lead up to the purchase of some land in Corrientes (Argentina) & the creation of a 4,000 acre conservation area dedicated to preserving endangered species & defending the habitats that are essential for their survival.

Visit The Collett Trust for Endangered Species here

Talking Creaky Old Bat with Anne Youngman (Ultra-Marathon Runner)

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 07:59:17 +0100

She's back for a second time on Talking Bat. This time we speak to the award winning Anne Youngman (former BCT Scottish Officer) about her first ultra-marathon experience (before & after), all in support of Bats Without Borders.
Did she make? You will have to listen to find out :-). We certainly had lots of fun chatting, & Anne is such an inspirationally infectious character, which shines through with everything she does.

Bats Without Borders

Bats Without Borders - Donate here

Talking Bat with Dr Roger Ransome (Researcher & Retired Consultant)

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 09:04:25 +0100

Hugely respected & recognised for his contributions to bat conservation, Roger Ransome began studying bats in 1956, completing his PhD in 1979. He is a Linnean Society Award winner for Contributions By An Amateur Towards Scientific Progress, as well as having received the Pete Guest Award (2010) from BCT. Much of what we know about Greater horseshoe bats comes from the work he, & many others working alongside him, have been carrying out at Woodchester Mansion. Add to all this the numerous scientific papers produced, as well as being an author of books, & let's not forget his Guinness World Record for the longest mammal study carried out by an individual.

Find out about Roger's research here

The Natural History of Hibernating Bats by Roger Ransome

Talking Book with Nils Bouillard (Big Bat Year)

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:47:04 +0100

It's great to have Nils Bouillard back for a second interview here on our channel, this time we focus on the background to his recently published book: Big Bat Year - A Conservation Story (published 2023).

Follow Nils on Twitter: @NilsBouillard

Talking Club (April 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:11:37 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Dr Henry Schofield (Vincent Wildlife Trust)

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 20:27:08 +0000

When we recorded this interview Henry Schofield had recently retired as Head of Conservation at Vincent Wildlife Trust, where he had worked for over 30 years. During his time with the trust he was involved with many bat-related projects (as well as other species groups), including extensively with horseshoe species. Here we explore his life journey to date, as well as talking about some of his research & books.

Vincent Wildlife Trust

Bats of Britain & Ireland (7th Edition)

Talking Bat with Katheryn Leggat (Kasanka Trust - Zambia)

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:40:14 +0000

Katheryn Leggat has had an amazing life story to date, which we really enjoyed chatting about during this session. It was also an opportunity for us to find out all about Kasanka National Park in Zambia, home for so much wildlife including the 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats that migrate into the area every year - the largest migration event for any mammal species anywhere on the planet.

Kasanka Trust Ltd - Donate Here

Talking Guano with Neil Middleton (BatAbility Courses & Tuition)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:22:25 +0000

^o^ Something just for our podcast audience.

Sometimes light-hearted, occasionally a little more serious! Here are some random thoughts from your Talking Bat host, Neil Middleton :-)

Email address for feedback: neil.middleton@batability.co.uk

Talking Mustelid with Dr Johnny Birks (Author, Researcher, Conservationist & Activist)

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:48:45 +0000

Here we have the huge pleasure of 'Talking...' with Mister Mustelid (aka Dr Johnny Birks) about his lifelong passion & career journey involving many roles within the ecology sector. All of this leading to lots of experiences, achievements & challenges along the way.

Learn about Johnny's work on ResearchGate

Visit NHBS Ltd to see books by Johnny Birks

Visit Extinction Rebellion here

Talking Bat with Dr Maggie Andrews (Horseshoe bats)

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:46:28 +0000

During this interview Maggie Andrews shares some of her earlier memories relating to studying bats (in particular horseshoe species), along with a deeper look into some of the research she has been involved with in conjunction with her late husband Peter Andrews & others (e.g. Tom McOwat & Amelia Hodnett).

Read about Maggie's work here on ResearchGate

Visit Woodchester Mansion - find out more here

Stackpole National Nature Reserve - find out more

Talking Book with Michael Sheldrick (Co-founder of Global Citizen/Author - From Ideas To Impact)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:15:17 +0000

Michael Sheldrick is the Co-Founder & Chief Policy, Impact, & Government Affairs Officer at Global Citizen. Their initiatives have reached millions of people & secured $billions in support to provide access to essential resources worldwide. During this interview we explore Michael's back story, as well as the work of Global Citizen, leading us on to discuss, in some detail, his new book 'From Ideas To Impact - A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World'

Michael Sheldrick website

Donate to production costs of 'From Ideas To Impact' here

Talking Shop with Bernard Mercer (Founder/Chairperson of NHBS Ltd)

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:16:28 +0000

In 1985 Bernard Mercer founded NHBS Ltd, & during this interview we get a fascinating insight into the background of the business, & how it has developed over the years to become one of the largest, if not the largest, organisations of its type on the planet. But there is so much more to the story than may immediately meet the eye, & during this session it was so interesting to explore the history of the business that all of us are familiar with today.

British Wildlife magazine

Conservation Land Management magazine

Flora & Fauna International

Talking Bat with Henry Andrews (Bat Roosts in Trees & Bat Roosts in Rock)

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:33:34 +0000

Here we have the pleasure of interviewing Henry Andrews, the driving force behind the habitat keys & books entitled 'Bat Roosts In Trees' & 'Bat Roosts In Rock'. As well as covering the backdrop to the books in some detail, we also explore Henry's career path within the ecology sector.

Talking Club (March 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:00:15 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Daniel Hargreaves (Vincent Wildlife Trust)

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:41:02 +0000

Daniel Hargreaves is well know & highly respected within the world of bats, & during this session we talk about his exciting life journey from becoming interested in bats as a child through to being involved in projects & adventures around the world. At the time of recording our conversation Daniel had recently taken on the role of Bat Programme Manager at Vincent Wildlife Trust, & the work of the trust is also covered.

VWT Sussex Horseshoe Bat Appeal here

Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation here

Talking Bat with Laura Torrent (African Bat Taxonomy Ecology & Conservation)

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 15:24:27 +0000

Laura Torrent is a PhD student studying bat taxonomy, ecology & conservation in Equatorial Guinea (west coast of central Africa), working in collaboration with Natural Science Museum of Granollers; University of Porto; CIBIO-InBIO; Doñana Biological Station & Biodiversity Initiative. This interview explores her bat-related work to date, including details about her research & the challenges posed when studying bats in a part of the world where so little is known about the subject.

Learn more about Laura's research here

Follow Laura on Twitter: @arualentina

Talking Bat with John Haddow (Auritus Wildlife Consultancy)

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 18:19:48 +0000

John Haddow (Auritus Bat Consultancy) is a highly respected bat-worker (& so much more) based in Scotland, & a previous winner of the BCTs Pete Guest Award. His interest in bats started before bats were collectively protected within the UK, & before BCT even existed. During this interview he gives an excellent historical insight into bat conservation since the 1970s. We also talk at length about the Scottish Leisler's Bat Project & his regular trips to Poland visiting Nietoperek, one of the largest hibernation sites in Europe.

Scottish Bats Journals Archive

Bat Conservation Trust (BCT)

Talking Bat with Marc Van De Sijpe (Freelance Bat Researcher - Belgium)

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:06:16 +0000

Marc Van De Sijpe is an internationally respected bat researcher based in Belgium, especially known for his work on the European 'trawling' bat species - Daubenton's bat, Pond bat & Long-fingered bat. Here we chat to him about his back-story, early years doing bat work in Belgium, as well as looking in more detail at his research & contributions to our knowledge & understanding of European bat species.

Learn more about Marc's research here on ResearchGate

Check out Marc's YouTube channel here

Talking Bat with M. Brock Fenton (Western University, Canada)

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:17:27 +0000

Brock Fenton (Emeritus Professor - University of Western Ontario, Canada) has been studying bats in some shape or form since the early 1960s. He is hugely respected internationally for his academic work, his contributions to bat conservation, as well as which he has authored/co-authored numerous books. During this interview we explore his background, as well as getting into some detail regarding bat evolution. The interview was timed to coincide with the release of the book 'A Miscellany of Bats' which he co-authored with his good friend Jens Rydell.

Ear Anatomy Traces a Family Tree for Bats - M. Brock Fenton
Nature 602, 387-388 (2022)

Bat Conservation International website here

Talking Bat with Dr Mirjam Knornschild (Museum of Natural History Berlin)

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 17:39:10 +0000

Dr Mirjam Knornschild is the Head of Behavioural Ecology & Bioacoustics Lab for the Museum of Natural History in Berlin. She is internationally recognised & highly respected for, amongst other things, her research into bat acoustics, in particular species occurring in Costa Rica, Panama & southern Africa. During this interview we explore her back-story, as well as talk about some of her academic work. We also dip into other aspects of bat-related studies & challenges when it comes to studying these fascinating mammals in the field.

Find out more via Mirjam's research website here

Visit Deutsche Fledermauswarte (German Bat Observatory) website here

Talking Bat with Alexandra Howard (Afromontane Researcher, University of the Free State)

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:45:14 +0000

Alexandra Howard is a PhD candidate carrying out research on bats in southern Africa. Here we explore her life journey so far, as well as her research interests, along with dipping into other aspects of life & the challenges of being a bat researcher in Africa.

Follow Alexandra on X (twitter): @blondezoologist

Talking Club (February 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:21:39 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Professor Peter J Taylor (University of the Free State)

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:18:58 +0000

Peter Taylor's research focuses on bats & other small mammals in natural & agricultural landscapes in southern Africa. He has contributed significantly to science & conservation, & during this interview we explore his life journey, along with many of his thoughts about the research he has been involved with & the books he has authored/co-authored.

Bats of Southern & Central Africa - find out more here

The Bat Interest Group of KwaZulu-Natal (formerly the Durban Bat Interest Group) - find out more here

Talking Bat with Dr Ian Davidson-Watts (Davidson-Watts Ecology Ltd)

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:37:24 +0000

Originally from the UK, & now living in New Zealand, Ian Davidson-Watts is highly respected internationally as a bat researcher & consultant. His career to date has had many twists & turns, across a number of roles & countries, as you will hear about during this fascinating insight into his life.

Find out more about Davidson-Watts Ecology here

Find out more about GoFundMe 'Save the Isle Of Wight Bat Hospital' here

Talking Bat with Dr Sandie Sowler (Bat Researcher, Consultant & Trainer)

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:49:56 +0000

Hooked onto natural history from early childhood, Sandie Sowler commenced with her first serious venture into bats in 1969 whilst still at university. Since then she has achieved a huge amount & contributed significantly to the world of bats. Highly respected internationally, during this interview we talk about her early research, her time within the consultancy sector, as well as her experiences contributing to the delivery of training courses and survey guidelines (in particular within the UK & South Africa). And if that's not enough - we also explore many of the non-bat-related activities she gets involved with.
Bats Without Borders - find out more here

Talking Bat with Dr Jon Russ (Consultant, Researcher & Author)

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 14:26:58 +0000

Jon Russ is hugely respected & well known to us all as the author of books relating to bat acoustics & identification, he also has his own consultancy business, Ridgeway Ecology. During this in depth interview into his back-story & life experiences we explore in some detail his academic research, some projects he has been heavily involved with (e.g. the Nathusius' pipistrelle in GB & Northern Ireland), as well, of course, the popular books themselves, including the recently published Bat Calls of Britain & Europe

Talking Club (January 2024) with Aileen Hendry

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:10:23 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bat with Dr Volker Runkel (The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection)

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 15:19:11 +0000

We are very pleased to have with us, once again, Volker Runkel. This time we focus on his book, 'The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection'. Along with this we explore the development of successful bat acoustic projects, as well as working with automated classifiers.

Find 'The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection' book here

Find 'Handbuch: Praxis der Akustischen Fledermauserfassung' here

Visit EcoObs website here

Talking Bat with Dr David Hill (Wildlife Research Centre, Kyoto University, Japan)

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 14:12:43 +0000

We could have equally called this one Talking Primate (as well as bats of course) due to David Hill's early research studying macaques, latterly in Japan. We were delighted to chat at length about working & living in that part of the world.

And then (well it wouldn't be possible not to talk about it!) we get into his work with Bechstein's bat, as well as the ground-breaking development of the Sussex AutoBat ultrasonic lure (all work David did in conjunction with Frank Greenaway). As well as all of that, there is so much more... Hope you enjoy the listen :-)

Find out more about the Vincent Wildlife Trust Sussex Bat Appeal here

Talking Bat with Paul Racey (Emeritus Professor)

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:42:53 +0000

Paul Racey is internationally recognised & one of the most highly respected people in the world of bats, having so many achievements associated with his academic work, as well as his contributions to conservation internationally. During this interview we take a look back at his working life including the following: Gerrit S. Miller Award; Mammal Society Silver Medal; BBC Wildlife “Conservation Heroes”; BCT Lifetime Achievement Award: Honorary Membership: American Society of Mammalogists; Honorary Life Membership: Bat Conservation Trust

We also talk about having a bat species named after himself, as well as various personal memories of people he has worked with on various projects both at home & overseas.

Talking Bat with Sherwood Snyder & Paul Howden-Leach (Wildlife Acoustics)

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 12:43:07 +0000

Sherwood Snyder & Paul Howden-Leach both work for Wildlife Acoustics, & during this interview we have a deep dive into their lives, as well as how product development is undertaken within WAC. Also, a good few doses of 'fun' along the way.

Find out more about Wildlife Acoustics here

Talking Club (December 2023) with Aileen Hendry

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:10:51 +0000

If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/