Roe Valley Country Park let fly on bat myths

In support of European Bat Week beginning on August 24, Roe Valley Country Park are to hold two Bat Nights.

If you want to find out the truth about a much-maligned mammal then the two bat nights on August 21 and 28 at Roe Valley Country Park are for you, as the DOE will link up with many venues across Europe to host informative nights on bats.

Gerard Cutmore, assistant warden with the DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service, whose work involves helping to conserve bats at Roe Valley Park, said: “All sorts of myths have grown up about bats – the Bat Nights will help to dispose any misconceptions about Ireland's seven species of bats. They do not suck blood or get caught in people's hair, and they are not blind. In fact they are harmless interesting creatures.

“Mammals are normally very difficult to study as they are afraid of people. In spite of what people imagine, if you know when and where to look, bats are strangely the easiest mammals to see."

A talk and slide-show commencing at 7.30pm each evening will be followed by a visit to a local bat roost where it is hoped the bats may be seen as they take to the wing at dusk.

Michael Conway, DOE Environmental Educator at Roe Valley Park, added: “Similar events will be held all over Europe to help people appreciate that bats are a vital part of our natural heritage.”

He said that while all are welcome to attend either of the Bat Nights, prior booking is essential.

For further information and bookings contact Michael at Roe Valley Country Park on 028 7776 7532 or email: michael.conway@doeni.gov.uk

(SP)