THERE are still a few places available on a special free workshop to help people understand more about our native bat population.

Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), in partnership with the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT), will be running a workshop on Saturday July 2 about bats in Britain and on Dartmoor.

Naomi Barker, ecologist at DNPA, said: 'This workshop will provide people with an understanding of British bats, with a focus on those that are most commonly found in the national park.

Participants will learn where bats live and what they need to survive, and why the national park is so important for bats.'

The workshop is linked to the Big Bat Count, a national voluntary survey, which is being held over the weekend of July 23 and 24, but can be carried out on any day within three weeks of that weekend.

The Big Bat Count is aimed at beginners and is a way of contributing to BCTs National Bat Monitoring programme.

Participants do not need any prior knowledge of bats to take part in the survey, but for those who would like to know more about these creatures, the workshop will provide extra information which can be used to help with the Big Bat Count.

The workshop is free and will start at 7.30pm and finish at 11pm, with a refreshment break.

The minimum age for participants is 16 years.

The workshop will take place at DNPA's headquarters at Parke, Bovey Tracey.

Pre-booking is essential. To book a place or for more information please contact Gemma Timberlake on 01626 831025 or Naomi Barker on 01626 831091 by Tuesday June 28.

A short walk will be included so please ensure you bring suitable warm and waterproof clothing.