Going Ham for Bats at Hampstead Heath

Join us at dusk to discover the hidden world of nocturnal mammals. We will be discussing some of their mysterious behaviours and the wonderful adaptations that have helped them become some of the most successful species around the globe.

Led by our accredited experts, this bat walk will help you learn how to use bat detectors to identify different species common in the UK. You'll be given an introduction to bat ecology, learn about the 18 species found in the UK, and discuss some of the threats they face as well the work that is being done to protect them. We'll follow it up with a post-walk summary that will answer any burning questions you may have. Our walk leaders have been accredited by the Bat Conservation Trust.

Children (12+) are welcome!

Meeting Place: The Magdala Tavern, 2A S Hill Park, NW3 2SB

Public transport links – Hampstead Heath Overground Station, local buses.

We will start our walk through the entrance nearest the pub, loop around the wildlife ponds and finish back at the same exit.

Should the weather be unsuitable for conducting the walk, we will postpone and reschedule it, letting you know as soon as possible.

Concessions (Please buy the concession ticket only if you fulfil any of the below criteria)

We are pleased to offer a concessionary rate on the cost of our tours to those less able to pay. Specifically, we offer a discount if you are:

• Below 18 years of age
• 65 years of age, or over
• Currently in receipt of UK government benefit (including, but not limited to, Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit).
• Currently in full-time education.

Meet our Leaders:

Georgia Cowie

Georgia has a BSc in Zoology from the University of Leeds, and an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from Queen Mary University London. Her research expertise focuses on wildlife technology, where she has used bioacoustics to research urban bats in London's small parks. Uncovering a love for these wonderful, and often overlooked, flying mammals led to her establishing our bat walks in 2024. Since then, she has been on a mission to change public perceptions of bats and get people involved in their conservation along the way.

Alice Cheetham

Alice has a BSc in Zoology from University of Reading and career in outside the classroom education and public engagement. She has a passion for native wildlife and has spent years working for outdoor charities and organisations such as ZSL, WWT and local Wildlife Trusts, spreading the good word of the UK's criminally under rated flora and fauna. Before working at the Linnean Society, Alice was part of the education team at WWT London Wetland Centre and was heavily involved in leading family friendly bat walks through the wetlands. She worked with fellow bat-enthusiast, Georgia, to begin running the successful Linnean Society bat walks in 2024.

Lead photo " in flight" by Barracuda 1983 on Wikipedia. Used under license.

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