THE Manx Bat Group is holding its annual sleepover for young people tomorrow to introduce them to bats and bat-watching.

Meeting at the Minorca Hill Methodist Church at 8.30pm, the evening will start with a talk on the biology of bats and an introduction to the bats of the Isle of Man.

Armed with bat detectors, participants will then be taken on a walk around Laxey, visiting parts where bats have been observed in the past, to try to identify what species are feeding in the village.

There will then be an opportunity to grab a few hours sleep in the Methodist Hall before rising again at dawn to watch the bats returning to their roost.

Dr Richard Selman, senior wildlife and conservation officer with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: "When the bats return at dawn, watchers can see one of the most amazing sights in nature, as the bats spiral round one another at great speed before gradually peeling off to go back in to their roost."

The Manx Bat Group sleepover is held each year in memory of Penny Gillman, former chairman of the group, who firmly believed that young people should be encouraged to learn about nature and protecting wildlife.

The sleepover is open to all but parents are asked that any children are accompanied by a responsible adult, including for the sleepover itself, and that appropriate clothing is worn.

To find out more about bats and how you can help these amazing but vulnerable animals, visit the Bat Conservation Trust’s website where you can become a member and discover the many ways you can get involved to do your bit for bats. The website is www.bats.org.uk and the free National Bat Helpline can be reached on 0845 1300 228.

Photo by kind permission of the Bat Conservation Trust