Free event will highlight bat conservation efforts in Mayo

A unique event dedicated to celebrating bats and promoting their conservation will take place in the TF Hotel, Castlebar, on Thursday, April 16th, at 7pm.

Supported by Mayo County Council’s Biodiversity Office, and led by Bat Conservation Ireland and Mayo Bat Group, the event aims to raise awareness about the vital role bats play in our ecosystem and to showcase ongoing efforts to protect these fascinating and often misunderstood mammals.

The event will feature an educational talk, offering attendees a rare opportunity to learn about Mayo’s bat species and the work of the Mayo Bat Group.

“Bats are an essential part of our natural heritage, yet they are frequently misunderstood,” said Karen Healy, Projects Co-Ordinator at Bat Conservation Ireland. “This event is about bringing people closer to nature, inspiring curiosity, and encouraging communities to take part in protecting local bat populations and their habitats. We also want to highlight the amazing work done by volunteers of the Mayo Bat Group. 

"Bat groups are an important link in the chain of bat conservation in Ireland. Bat groups are made up of individuals from all walks of life with a common interest in bats. They give up their free time to attend events, answer queries, take part in volunteer surveys, and some bat groups rescue grounded and injured bats. We would encourage anyone with an interest in nature to come along to this special event and find out how they can get involved.” 

Mayo Biodiversity Officer, Sheila Murphy, said: ‘Mayo supports fantastic habitats for bats form our hedgerows, tree-lines to our watercourses and woodlands. This event aims to promote the importance of bats in our landscape; raise awareness on what interesting mammals they are and what we can do to help protect and record them in Co. Mayo.” 

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.