Below is a selection of frequently asked questions (FAQ) that we have been asked over the years when specifically running tailor-made events. Please take time to read over these and if you don’t find the information you are looking for, or if you are still unsure about anything, lift the phone or send us an email and we will get back to you. In addition you may find the Courses & Events FAQ of interest.
Q1: Can the event be held at our own premises or a location of our choosing?
A1: Yes, most definitely. Bear in mind that our fees may have to be adjusted to reflect our travel costs (e.g. mileage) and accommodation. Also bear in mind, that if you have a number of people requiring the training, the additional costs associated with our coming to you would normally be considerably less than the costs involved with you sending a number of delegates to us. We can give you a fee indication for each option if that would be useful in making your final decision as to where you would like the training delivered.
Q2: Where is your training centre?
A2: We have excellent training facilities in Linlithgow (Central Belt of Scotland) where we are able to deliver small training events (up to 10 delegates). For larger events or where you need us to achieve specific objectives, that we would find difficult to achieve in the Central Belt (e.g. seeking certain bat species), we are able to deliver the training at a more suitable location. We will discuss your requirements with you, including a Training Needs Analysis, and then establish the best way forward.
Q3: How easy is it to get to your training centre?
A3: Our site is easily accessible by road (M9 motorway, J3 or J4 – <5mins by car), rail (Linlithgow Station – a short local bus ride) and air (Edinburgh Airport – 20mins by car). Linlithgow is also served well by local bus routes.
Q4: Can you provide catering for the event?
A4: Most of our events provide refreshments (e.g. tea and coffee) during break periods at no extra charge. We can also provide lunch, subject to our costs being adjusted to cater for it.
Q5: Can you provide accommodation for the event?
A5: We won’t be able to pay for accommodation on your behalf, you will need to arrange for this to be paid by yourselves directly. We will however, happily make recommendations if we know of suitable local accommodation in the area where the event is being held.
Q6: Do I need to be vaccinated against Rabies to attend an event?
A6: Only if you are being asked to, or you are intending to, handle any bats. If so, then we will ask to see written proof (e.g. on doctors headed paper) that your vaccinations are up-to-date, or alternatively a titre result (<12 months old) showing that you are adequately covered. For generic courses, where an element of the course may include handling (but not as the main objective), we would not recommend that you get vaccinated purely for that event (you will be able to see everything that is happening, you just won’t be allowed to handle).
Q7: If I am handling bats, do you insist that I wear suitable bat handling gloves?
A7: Most definitely, and always. We do not allow trainees on our events to handle bats without suitable gloves. We will show you how to do this effectively and safely, both from your perspective and that of the bat. There are a number of makes of gloves that bat workers usually recommend. Here is a link to what we suggest, other brands are available and acceptable. Also ensure that your gloves are close fitting, and clean prior to the event.
Q8: Will I need outdoor clothing, waterproofs etc.?
A8: It would always be sensible to take outdoor clothes, walking shoes and the like. Our courses can be fairly flexible regarding where we end up going during field excursions. We try not to travel too far from paths and tracks, but can never guarantee that you won’t need to go over rough or wet ground. Also, there is the possibility of rain, so you need to stay dry, and even in the middle of summer it can be quite chilly at night when we are working in the dark.
Q9: Should I bring my own bat-related equipment?
A9: If you have your own equipment, then yes definitely take it along. Please ensure that any such items are properly marked so that they don’t get mixed up with someone else’s kit. The joining instructions may also suggest items that you should take with you when attending a course. For example, on a sound analysis event we would normally expect delegates to bring their own bat detector, recording equipment and laptop (with the required software being already purchased and installed). Not everyone has their own equipment however, and this should not be a barrier to you attending – just let us know in advance and we can make arrangements to have extra spare equipment available.
Q10: I don’t currently own a bat detector, and I am thinking about buying one before the event. What do you suggest?
A10: We suggest that you don’t buy one just yet. Attending the event will be an excellent opportunity to see and hear what we ourselves and others at the event use. We will also give you guidance as to what would suit you best. Not all bat detectors are the same, and each manufacturer claims their machine(s) is excellent (why would they say otherwise!). The reality is that there are definitely detectors that are far better than others, or more appropriate, depending upon what you are seeking to achieve. So please don’t rush into buying anything without first getting unbiased opinions from people who have used a number of different machines. Beware of individuals who have only ever used one bat detecting system telling you that it is the best for you.
Q11: Do I need a torch or head torch?
A11: If it is a bat event and it isn’t purely classroom based, then you should take both please. A lot of bat-related training occurs during darkness or looking in dark places (e.g. lofts, cellars…) and it is important that you, and others around you, are safe whilst we are carrying out these practical sessions. In addition you need to be able to see the bats.
Q12: If we are handling bats or visiting roost sites do I need a red filter on my head torch?
A12: Although having a red filter is considered to be beneficial from the point of view of disturbance caused to bats, we do not insist that you have to have red filtered light during the event. Because it is a training event we feel that it is important to work quickly and safely, and in normal light conditions this is usually more achievable. It is also beneficial from the bats perspective that they are processed safely and released as quickly as possible. So in short if you have a red filter then this is great, but if you don’t it is not a problem.
Q13: We notice on your Facebook page you show lots of pictures from events. We don’t want anyone else knowing that we came to you for this training, will you be uploading pictures after the event?
A13: No. All the pictures you see on our social media sites etc. are from delegates on our public access courses or our Bat Skills Development Programme. We do not upload pictures that could identify an individual or other business at any time (e.g. we never name tag people in pictures), and we do not upload material from Bespoke Training Events that could identify an individual or a business. Also we do not advertise on our website or social media pages the names of individuals or consultancies that we have delivered training to. If for any reason we felt the need to deviate from any of the aforementioned it would only be with your permission (e.g. in the past we have had companies wanting us to post material so that they could, in turn, share it on their own social media sites).
Q14: What are the things that you find people forget to take with them, if they have forgotten anything, or don’t appreciate they need to consider?
A14: Batteries for their equipment (with plenty spares); head torch; bat handling gloves; proof of Rabies vaccination (if intending to handle bats); electrical leads to connect their bat detector to recording device; hat to keep their head warm at night; headphones for detector; copy of the course Joining Instructions with the ‘How To Get There’ instructions; notebook and pen; mobile phone charger; laptop/tablet/Ipad mains cables/chargers; underestimating how cold it gets at night, even in mid summer; under estimating their travel time to the training location; waterproof jacket; outdoor shoes that they don’t mind getting muddy.
Visit our Courses & Events FAQ to find out more about our typical open access training events questions.
Do you have questions not answered here? Please send it to us >>
