Autumn has arrived, and with it a delivery of bat detectors has landed in various High Life Highland libraries — and you can borrow them for free!
As darkness falls, bats emerge to hunt insects and navigate the night skies using high-frequency calls that are inaudible to the human ear. Thanks to a new collection of bat detectors, library users can now tune into these fascinating sounds and experience a side of Highland wildlife that often goes unnoticed.
Borrow a bat detector from your library
The detectors, which convert ultrasonic bat calls into sounds people can hear, are available free of charge at High Life Highland Green libraries, making it easier than ever for families, wildlife enthusiasts and curious beginners to connect with nature close to home.
Julie Corcoran, our Head of Libraries, said: "We're delighted to be adding bat detectors to the range of items available for customers to borrow through our libraries. They offer a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to explore the natural world in a new and exciting way.
"Following the success of our moth traps, we expect these detectors to be extremely popular. Our libraries are about much more than books, and this project highlights how they can help people discover new interests, learn more about their environment and develop a deeper connection with the wildlife around them.
"Working alongside our Countryside Ranger colleagues allows us to create memorable experiences that inspire people to care for nature."
Bat detectors can be borrowed from High Life Highland libraries in Ardnamurchan, Coal, Dingwall, Fortrose, Fort William, Gairloch, Thurso, Ullapool and Wick.
Borrow a bat detector
Pick one up free from participating libraries this autumn.
Find your local libraryJoin a guided bat walk
To complement the launch, our Countryside Rangers will be leading a programme of guided bat walks and wildlife events during September, giving participants the chance to see bat conservation in action and learn more about the species.
Upcoming events include:
- Bats! Bats! Bats! — Friday 11 September, 7.30pm, Anagach Woods, Grantown-on-Spey
- John O'Groats Mill Bat Watch — Friday 11 September, 8.00pm, John O'Groats Mill, Caithness
- Bats and Moths at Newton Hill Croft Community Woodland, Caithness — Saturday 12 September, 7.00pm
- Bat & Moth Discovery Walk — Thursday 17 September, 7.30pm, Craig Dunain Duck Pond, Inverness
- Bats! Bats! Bats! — Friday 25 September, 7.00pm, Riverside Park, Nairn
Hearing bat calls through a detector and watching them emerge at dusk is something that stays with people long after the event.
Head of Countryside Services
Imogen Furlong, our Head of Countryside Services, said: "Bats are among our most remarkable native mammals, but because they are active at night, many people never get the chance to experience them.
"Our bat walks allow people to discover an entirely different side of the natural world. Hearing bat calls through a detector and watching them emerge at dusk is something that stays with people long after the event.
"We're thrilled to be working in partnership with our library colleagues to make this technology more accessible and encourage more people to engage with local wildlife and the wider environment."
Part of a wider climate initiative
The project forms part of the Cultivating Climate Champions initiative, funded by the Scottish Government, administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and delivered by High Life Highland. The aim is to help communities build knowledge, confidence and practical skills to support climate action and environmental stewardship.
