Natural England - Bat’s Life for Shirley and John

Bat’s Life for Shirley and John

With 50 years of combined experience Shirley and John Martin have seen it all.

Shirley and John

As volunteers they carry out surveys and provide advice to people with bat related issues - like the hotel where bats in the kitchen were falling in the soup! But not every callout is so straightforward.

For John it is the variety of scenarios which makes the role so interesting “You don’t know what you’ll encounter. You’re dealing with everybody from builders to vulnerable householders, all with different problems and concerns”. Shirley agrees “As well as bat knowledge you need people skills – the challenge is to identify what the underlying issues are and how to address these. You don’t achieve anything by being heavy-handed”.

With these factors to consider new volunteers aren’t expected to make visits on their own. As a bat work volunteer trainer Shirley accompanies trainees on visits whilst they gain the necessary experience. In addition to Natural England’s staff there is a countrywide network of over 1000 volunteers able to provide ongoing support and advice to others.

John believes their voluntary status is a significant asset; allowing them to act sensitively as advocates for Natural England when talking to people who might feel apprehensive about dealing with a statutory body. Their success was illustrated recently when an initially ‘concerned and upset’ householder wrote to Natural England praising Shirley and John’s consideration and understanding.

Pip Kirkham, Natural England Conservation Advisor, says “In the North West we are blessed with a superb network of volunteers, who often respond to calls at a moment’s notice, saving and protecting bats and their roosts as well as helping householders to overcome fears and to better understand these species. Bat conservation and Natural England owe a huge debt of thanks to John, Shirley and all our bat volunteers throughout the country”.