Welcome to the Talking Bat podcast series from BatAbility Courses & Tuition. Every month we interview someone important, influential, inspirational or just darn right bat-tastic from the world of bats or from the wider world of ecology/natural history/conservation. These interviews are carried out in a relaxed, conversational style, as we dive deeper into the background of our amazing guests. To find out more about BatAbility visit: www.batability.co.uk To find out more about BatAbility Club visit: www.batability.co.uk/batability-club
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ NHBS Ltd Our sponsors of BatAbility Club - NHBS Ltd - visit them here
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ NHBS Ltd Our sponsors of BatAbility Club - NHBS Ltd - visit them here
A fabulous interview with Ricardo Rocha, who originates from Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He is an Associate Professor of Conservation Science at University of Oxford, & Tutorial Fellow at Jesus College. During his academic life he has studied bird, reptile & bat ecology in many parts of the world. His PhD (Universities of Lisbon & Helsinki) addressed the effects of tropical forest fragmentation on bat communities. We were also pleased to be able to discuss human diversity, segregation & associated subjects during our chat, an area which Ricardo has spent a lot of time considering. Find out more about Ricardo Rocha here Instagram: ricardo.nature
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ NHBS Ltd Our sponsors of BatAbility Club - NHBS Ltd - visit them here BatAbility Eventbrite link for public access tickets
Mel Findlay & Pat White are the authors of the recently published 'The Otter Field Survey & Monitoring Handbook - A Practical Guide to Field & Camera-Trap Surveys'. Mel is a seasoned consultant ecologist with >25 years’ experience, specialising in otters. Pat is an associate professor, based at the Centre for Conservation & Restoration Science at Edinburgh Napier University, his research focusing on developing evidence & practical methods in wildlife monitoring & conservation. The Otter Field Survey & Monitoring Handbook - A Practical Guide to Field & Camera-Trap Surveys - find out more here International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) - find out more here
Here we had the huge pleasure of talking with Sarah Whild, author of the recently published 'The Biological Recording Handbook - Making Wildlife Count'. Sarah had a career teaching biological recording as a university lecturer. Now retired, amongst other things, she describes herself as a card-carrying botanist & drinker of good gin. The Biological Recording Handbook - Making Wildlife Count - Find out more here National Forum for Biological Recording - Find out more here Wildlife & Countryside Link - Find out more here
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ NHBS Ltd Our sponsors of BatAbility Club - NHBS Ltd - visit them here
Absolutely delighted to be chatting with Graeme Lyons, the author of 'Pan-Species Listing - How to Become A Super-Naturalist'. This interview touches on same many areas, including aspects of Graeme's life, becoming an author, & of course, lots of information & the backstory to the book itself. Pan-Species Listing - How to Become A Super-Naturalist find out more here Visit Graeme's blog, 'The Lyons Share' here Visit Pan-Species Listing website here Visits The British Arachnological Society website here
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ NHBS Ltd Our sponsors of BatAbility Club - NHBS Ltd - visit them here
Chris Stone is an environmentalist & author. We are delighted to be talking with him here about his new book, published in February 2026, 'European Deserts - Sandy Wilderness on a Green Continent'. During the interview we explore the background to the book, some of the key points that Chris is seeking to make within its covers, & also Chris's experiences as an author. European Deserts - Sandy Wilderness on a Green Continent' find out more here Geograph - Photograph every grid square! - find out more here
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ Ecology Expo 2026 find out more here Mammal Society Conference 2026 find out more here Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush - new book by Neil Middleton
During this interview, Aileen Hendry interviews Neil Middleton about his newly published book, 'Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush'. We discuss the background to the book, a selection of short humerous stories based on everyday life events, as well as numerous associated subjects. Neil Middleton - Author website here 'Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush' find out more here
Frank Rennie is the author of numerous books, including his latest one, 'The Merlin - The Ecology of A Magical Raptor'. During this interview we are delighted to be talking to Frank about his experiences as an author, as well as the backdrop to this latest book. And, of course, as you would expect, there are a number of interesting tangents as our chat evolves. The Merlin - The Ecology of A Magical Raptor here The Corncrake - An Ecology of An Enigma here Among The Layers of The Land here The Changing Outer Hebrides here
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush - new book by Neil Middleton
Dr Mateo Ruiz is Head of Conservation at the Barn Owl Trust, after having first completing his post-graduate research on bird communities in coastal wetlands of Mexico. During this session we discuss in depth his experiences & career journey to date, along with exploring some of his other interests. Barn Owl Trust - find out more here
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/
Here we are delighted to bring to you an interview with Ben Averis. Ben is highly respected within the ecology sector for his knowledge on botany, & along with his wife, Alison Averis, they have created sought after consultancy services, delivering many specialist botonatical surveys & training. As well as botany, Ben is also an artist, a musician & a poet, all of which we touch upon during this chat. Follow Ben on BlueSky: @averisben.bsky.social Ben & Alison Averis website Ben Averis Art website Botanical Society of Scotland website
An excellent interview with Gary Burns, an experienced & highly respected wildlife guide & natural history photographer based in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). He offers wildlife tours for those transiting through Dubai, or in the area already be that on holiday or more permanently. We have used Gary oursleves during a trip to the area, & were astonished to see what the area had to offer. Find out now for yourself - listen to this podcast. Dubai Birding, Herping & Mammals website Dubai Transit Birding, Herping & Mammals facebook Barn Owl Trust
Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/
Dave Smallshire is hugely respected in the world of dragonflies, a subject about which he has authored many books, & also played a key part in their conservation. As well as all of this, he is a keen birder, photographer & an experienced wildlife guide. During this interview we explore many aspects of his life journey. Dragonflies Of Britain & Ireland book Europe's Dragonflies book British Dragonfly Society
