City Nature Challenge 2026: Campus bat life

Help us record wildlife for Exeter’s first City Nature Challenge! This is a global biodiversity recording event run between 24th- 27th April 2026, when we are asking people to go out and record the wildlife they see in Exeter using the free iNaturalist app. You can join us on an organised event, go and record nature on your favourite walk around Exeter, or use your nature knowledge to verify people’s photos afterwards, contributing to our national biodiversity datasets. Join the project page here and check out the other events on our webpage

There are 18 bat species resident in the UK, but how many can we find on the University of Exeter campus? Come and join us as we head out for a sunset exploration of central campus. We will be using the echolocation sounds made by the bats while they’re hunting to locate and identify the species.

We will meet outside the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies on Stocker Road at 20:00 on Friday 24th April, and will walk for about two hours, finishing at 22:00. Free car parking is available in any campus car park after 18:00.

The joining point is

What3words: ///line.lively.sugar

Google pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/krJdxBEg8vRJKGb66

Nearest postcode: EX4 4QQ

What to bring:

· Weather appropriate clothing, and sturdy footwear such as wellies or walking boots/shoes. It may also be hot and sunny, in which case, suncream, water and a sun hat. Waterproofs if needed.

· A drink of water/snacks

· Any Medic*tion that may be required (e.g. asthma inhaler, auto injector)

· A torch, as not all campus paths are lit.

· A phone for recording species! While ideally not everyone will record the same bat observation, we may see other species that we wish to record while out.

Under 18’s are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

For accessibility information please check the event webpage and if you have any concerns email [email protected]

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Host or Publisher Sustainability The University of Exeter