Oegstgeest calls on residents to help protect local bat populations
Residents of Oegstgeest can play a key role in safeguarding local bat species by volunteering for evening counts. Your participation helps ensure their protection during construction projects and urban development.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Oegstgeest, Zuid-Holland |
| Training Date | Friday, April 10 |
| Counting Periods | April 13–29 (3 evenings) and/or mid-June to early July (3 evenings) |
| Time Commitment per Evening | ~2.5 hours, around sunset |
| No. of Volunteers Needed | At least 10 |
| Bat Species Monitored | Pond bat, noctule, common pipistrelle, brown long-eared bat |
| Contact for Registration | duurzaam@oegstgeest.nl |
The municipality of Oegstgeest is responsible for local biodiversity conservation, including the protection of bat populations. By organizing volunteer counts, they gather essential data to inform urban planning and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
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Read the full translated article below
Volunteers sought for bat counts
We are looking for residents who would like to help count bats in the village. This will give us a better picture of where bats live and the species present, such as the pond bat, noctule, common pipistrelle, and brown long-eared bat. This is important so we can protect them, for example during renovations or demolition of homes and buildings.
No prior experience is required. You will receive a short training session and learn how to use a bat detector, a device that picks up the sounds made by bats.
What will you be doing?
- You will attend a training evening on Friday, April 10
- You will count bats at a fixed location in Oegstgeest
- You will do this for at least 3 evenings in April (April 13 to 29)
- And/or at least 3 evenings in June/July (mid-June to early July)
- Each evening will take about 2.5 hours, around sunset
- You will submit your count afterward
You will be informed in advance about the location where you will be counting. If the weather is poor, the counting may not take place, as bats are less active or do not fly at all.
We are looking for at least 10 participants. The more people who take part, the better we can distribute the counting efforts. If you cannot attend the training evening but still want to participate, please register anyway—we will arrange an alternative instruction session.
Interested or want more information? Would you like to participate or do you have questions? Then please contact us at duurzaam@oegstgeest.nl. Together, we can ensure good protection for bats in Oegstgeest!
Photo: Tom van der Meij