Woodchester Bat Walks
Discover what bats begin to fly as Woodchester comes alive at dusk, guided by some of our bat enthusiast volunteers.
- Booking essential
Join the nocturnal animals waking up at Woodchester Park on a bat walk after hours when the rest of the Park is still.
The park is a designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, in part because of the rare bat species it supports. Come along to learn more about these flying mammals.
Your evening will start in the conservatory area of Tinkley Gate Cafe for a talk from some of our volunteers, who also happen to be knowledgeable bat enthusiasts. They'll introduce you to the species we have in Woodchester Park.
You'll be equipped with a bat detector to use as we walk, so you can listen for the ultrasonic calls of the bats swooping past as they're busy hunting and searching for insects to eat.
You'll be guided from Tinkley Gate down into the valley on a walk of approximately 4k. The route follows mostly surfaced tracks with a small section over a grassy field. Search for bats along the route and down by the Boathouse between the lakes of Woodchester Park, listen to the different calls of the species that prefer different areas of the park! There is an uphill climb at the end of the route to get back to Tinkley Gate.
(Please note the cafe will be closed for trading, we are just using it as an indoor space for meeting. The toilets will be open to use.)
Please bring a torch with you to attend the event.
We may have to cancel in extreme weather conditions, you will be given 24 hours notice in the event of cancellation.
Booking required.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Admits one | £3.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call 0344 249 1895
- Accessibility
The walk will be roughly 4km long over mixed terrain. Some on resin topped paths, gravel tracks and a little over grassy footpaths. The route is often steep, and the evening will finish with an uphill section back up to Tinkley Gate. There are plenty of benches to pause at and the volunteers will lead the group at a leisurely pace to suits all attendees.
- Meeting point
Meet at Tinkley Gate Café. The main carpark is less than 200m from the cafe entrance: Tinkley Gate Carpark Nympsfield GL10 3UH.
- Suitability for children
Children are welcome along with an adult. Please see route description.
- What to bring and wear
Please bring a torch with you and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions. If you have your own bat detector, feel free to bring it along with you.
- Other
Tinkley Gate National Trust Carpark can be found at what3words:///confident.request.certified
Upcoming events
The Wind in the Willows Trail at Tinkley Gate
Discover a twist on a classic tale with this sculpture trail around Woodchester Park, celebrating 50 years of the Animal & Plant Health Agency
Paint Your Own Wind in the Willows Sculpture
Paint your own Wind in the Willows figurine to take home! Basic tools and paints provided. Each kit costs £15.
Summer Evenings at Tinkley Gate
Join us on Fridays and Saturdays throughout July for evening openings. Play board and lawn games, enjoy walks, have pizza and new sundaes with our "dessert club" offer in a relaxing environment with views over the Stroud valleys. Gates close at 8pm.
Summer Evenings - Jazz with The Red Door Trio
Head to Tinkley Gate for this summer evening opening, accompanied by The Red Door Trio, playing early evening jazz between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. A local piano based group, The Red Door Trio will play a range of classic and jazz and latin tunes. Free.