Bats & Brownies

Nestled in the Lakeland valley of Matterdale, James Rebanks, his family, and their Racy Ghyll Farm have gained admiration and respect for their Herdwick Sheep, but most recently James’ strong advocation of nature-friendly farming, and his acclaimed book The Shepherd’s Life: A Tale of the Lake District, and recently published English Pastoral | An Inheritance.

With wildflower meadow, grazed pasture, deciduous woodland and newly established wetland, Racy Ghyll supports a rich mix of foraging habitats for bats.

This Mini Exped will delve into the intrigue of bats, and how traditional, nature-friendly farming techniques provide new opportunities for this fascinating, but declining group of mammals. Wild Intrigue will share an insight into these much misunderstood creatures of the night, whilst you sit back and enjoy hot drinks and locally sourced brownies, before heading out to discover the bats of Racy Ghyll.

With specialist bat detectors in hand you will embark on a guided exploration of Racy Ghyll with Wild Intrigue as the sun sets, tracking down the the clicks, slaps and pops of bat echolocation. Bat detectors bring a new level to watching bats, enabling you to eavesdrop on them as they forage and communicate, bringing to life a whole new, ‘secret’ world. Wild Intrigue will also have an Echo Meter Touch 2 PRO to hand, so you can not only hear, but see the ultrasonic echolocation of bats! Racy Ghyll supports a diversity of species, from Common Pipistrelles which weigh as little as a 20 pence coin, to Noctules which hawk through the woodland.

The purchase of each ticket contributes to the support of nature-friendly farming at Racy Ghyll Farm, and in turn the wildlife this benefits in this corner of the Lake District National Park.

Please note that James and Helen Rebanks are understandably very busy people, so they may not be available during this event. If we are very lucky, Helen may be able to prepare some home-baked goodies.

Why not take a look at our other Mini Expeds taking place at Racy Ghyll Farm? Many share the same date, so you could make a weekend of it!

Racy Ghyll Farm is located only a short drive from Keswick or Penrith, in the beautiful Matterdale Valley in the Lake District north of Ullswater. The exact address and tailored directions will be provided upon booking.