Photo Gallery

A denehole hibernation site check from 04-01-2025. On this occasion just 2 Daubenton's were found. Many years ago the numbers using this site were in the 30's. Until a few days earlier the weather had been rather mild and it's possible the bats were still moving about prior to settling in for winter.

This denehole is approximately 10m deep with three chambers coming off it.

N.B. The survey has been completed at this point and the surveyors mask was removed for the final part of the climb out.

Having some crafting fun with children at an event, colouring in and making flying bats.

This bat was recorded on a hibernation survey in February 2024. Tucked away in crevices it's not always easy to identify bats, but this photograph taken on a mobile phone to minimise disturbance, shows the large, bristly feet which tells the surveyors it's a Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii).

Some work being done by a team from Kent Underground Research Group to allow safe access to a denehole so that hibernating bats can be monitored. This requires engineering skills and willing volunteers to install. The deneholes can be very deep with side chambers, ideal conditions for hibernating bats but tricky to access without specialist equipment.

A typical display at an organised event.

Hazel Ryan being interviewed by Rob Smith at an open garden event for a Kent Wildlife Trust podcast.

A Lesser horseshoe bat, a species currently using Dover castle to hibernate in.

A pipistrelle pup, rescued and being rehabilitated so that it can go back to the wild.

Whiskered bat - © Sally-Ann Hurry

Looking out for and listening to Daubenton's bats on the river at Canterbury
© Shirley Thompson

Sunset Landscape - © Sally-Ann Hurry

Waiting for bats © Jill Tardivel

Soprano pipistrelle © Hazel Ryan

Serotine bat © Sally-Ann Hurry

Noctule bat © Hazel Ryan

Natterer's bat © Hazel Ryan

Natterer's bat © Shirley Thompson

Nathusius' pipistrelle bat © Sally-Ann Hurry

Searching for hibernating bats in a disused railway tunnel
© Brett Lewis

Lithuanian ringed Nathusius' pipistrelle.
© Katheryn Leggat

Leisler's Bat - © Hazel Ryan

KBG at a show © Shirley Thompson

KBG stand at an event - © Shirley Thompson

KBG running a bat walk - © Shirley Thompson

Flying Brown long-eared Bat © Roger L Jones

Bat box check © Jill Tardivel

Data recording
© Shirley Thompson

Counting Soprano pipistrelles as they emerge from their maternity roost in June.
© Shirley Thompson

This bat has been caught and injured by a cat. 

© Hazel Ryan

Brown long-eared bat © Sean Hanna

A Brown long-eared bat stuck on an insect trap.
© Hazel Ryan

Bechstein's bat
© KBG

A rescued bat © Hazel Ryan

Bat box check
© Jill Tardivel