If you have a passion for the properties in our care, why not become a volunteer?
Volunteers from the National Trust, Natural England, the Durham Bat Group and the local community gave an incredible 129 nights of volunteering during a bat survey at the National Trust property of Gibside, near Rowlands Gill last year.
The volunteers were conducting emergence surveys in which they were positioned so that all faces of a building or tree are watched at all times, both day and night. A total of 84 bats were seen to emerge during the surveys with countless numbers feeding and commuting along the avenues and forest rides and over the ponds of Gibside.
The Derwent valley is an important area for bats in the North East. The National Trust Gibside Estate with its mosaic landscape features such as ponds, veteran trees and meadows, and built structures such as the Hall and Stable Block, is recognised as providing significant commuting, feeding, roosting and hibernating sites for bats. Gibside is lucky enough to be home to all seven northern species of bats including Noctule, Brown Long Eared and Natterers.
The survey was the first step in a 10 year Bat Strategy Management Plan.
Phil Bolam, Community and Landscape Manager at Gibside said:
'It was a fantastic feat of patience and endurance by the volunteers. They were surveying at all times of day and in all types of weather. It was only possible to do the survey because we have such dedicated volunteers here at Gibside. I’d like to thank them all.'
To be a volunteer at Gibside, or other National Trust properties call the volunteers hotline on 01904 771963 or email y&ne.volunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk
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