News Release Page Title

20 March 2000

DOE REVEALS SECRET LIFE OF BATS

Ever wondered why bats hang upside down, or what they really do at Halloween?

Or do bats simply send shivers down your spine?

Putting light on this dark subject next week at Crawfordsburn Country Park is new DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).

. In association with the Northern Ireland Bat Group, EHS presents an illustrated talk and workshop to reveal the truth about bats. The event will consider the commonly held myths and fears these awe inspiring little creatures generate, and will give an opportunity to find out more about the way they live and their habitat.

 

In highlighting this event Johanne Martin EHS education officer said: " We realise that some people have a fear of bats possibly because of the way they are portrayed in films. We want to draw attention to the other side of the story and shed some light on this dark subject.

"Like ourselves bats prefer warm dry places and are just as likely to be found in the roofs of semi-detached houses than in some cold damp dungeon. Which would you prefer?

 

" It is vital for us to highlight the importance of these protected creatures and for the public to realise that they shouldn’t be disturbed."

If people need more information or further advice on bats they should contact the bat officer based at the Ulster Museum on 028 9038 3144

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS:
  1. Dates: The events will take place on Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd March 2000. Four sessions in total running, 10.00 – 12.00 and 1.00 to 3.00. The event is to be attended by Schools – Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 3.
  2. Interview availability - Lynn Rendel, Ulster Museum, will be available for interview at Crawfordsburn Country Park on Tuesday 21st March & Thursday 23rd March. Photo opportunities and interviews can be arranged through Philip Maguire or Michael Henderson at DOE Press Office Tel 01232 540013 or 01232 540014.
  3. Location - Crawfordsburn Country Park, Bridge Road South, Helens Bay Co Down BT19 1LD. Telephone 028 9185 3621.
  4. This is the second event in EHS’s Events 2000 programme for Northern Ireland.