JBatS 2020 training and surveys

From WildAboutJersey 

The dates have been set for the 2020 training sessions and survey period!

The Jersey Bat Survey 2020 (JBats) is a pilot study for an island-wide citizen science scheme.  Each volunteer will get a detector to record bat echolocation calls throughout the survey period. Using the latest automated call recognition systems, data is extracted from these recordings which provides information towards the long-term monitoring of bats in Jersey.  This scheme is still in a pilot phase as we develop the scheme and links with the British Bat survey.

JBatS 2020 survey period: 1st -31st July

JBatS Training: Tuesday 23rd June 7pm

This year training will take place in your own home via Zoom !!

We will be providing some background to the project and an update on the progress we’ve made so far. We’ll also let you know how you can be involved with the 2020 fieldwork should you be interested. Even if you participated in the 2019 JBats surveys, we encourage you to join the training session. 

This year we can’t get together for a more traditional training event and practical field session but there will be a chance for volunteers to familiarise themselves with the equipment when they collect their kit pack. We will be arranging kit collections that meet Covid-19 guidance and physical distancing measures. So if you can’t make the training session online but would still like to get involved please do let us know. 

In 2020, the survey period is the month of July. We are asking volunteers to deploy an audiomoth detector at three different locations during the survey period. Deploying the detectors is quick and easy to do, and provides a great chance to explore the island!   

This year we are collaborating with the Bat Conservation Trust’s BBats project. The BCT BBats project will process a sample of the data we record this season to test a new system of providing feedback to volunteers. 

If you are interested please contact WildAboutJersey on wildaboutjersey@gov.je  You will receive a follow up email with more details of the event.