In August, I had the opportunity, along with the Scottish Dolphin Centre, to lead a day with the Earth Guardians Wildlife Watch Group at Spey Bay reserve. I wanted to introduce the children to “Bat World” as bats are a threatened animal and therefore are a protected species. I prepared educational (but fun) activities to do with them as a group so that the children could learn all about bats during this two hour session.

As this was a Sunday I didn’t want the children to feel like they were spending another day at school, I prepared a very informal session that required their energy and ideas. I used the beginning of the activity to let them introduce themselves and exchange what they knew about bats (some knew a lot!).

That was followed by a short presentation about different facts that make bats such an important and special creature. We played different games to understand how bats rely on echolocation to find their way around, “see” and their annual cycle among things.

We spoke a bit about why bat populations are decreasing and why their role in nature is so important to us. Finally to complete the day and to help the bats, every child had the chance to build their own bat box. Therefore after half an hour of loud hammering ten new bat boxes were ready to give refuge to these wonderful animals.

I enjoy doing this kind of educational activity with children, it went down well with the group and I am sure that it had a positive impact on them. We are in a period of time where educating the future generation(s) on the environment has become essential.

We need to improve our habitats to protect the wildlife and the best way to start is being learning and informing ourselves.

By Marta Zabalegui Bosque, European Voluntary Service Volunteer with Michelle Henley, Reserves Project Officer covering the North of Scotland.