About the event

With spring fully in swing, explore the hidden world of bats through a guided acoustic survey. Join us at the University of Birmingham's Vale Village, for our fourth Youth Pathways session– an inclusive, hands-on evening designed to empower young people as co-designers of local, nature-based solutions in Birmingham and the Black Country.

This session celebrates urban wildlife and the importance of protecting biodiversity, even in the most built-up environments. You’ll learn how to identify bats using echolocation technology, contribute to real biodiversity recording and learn how young people can take action for nature through conservation and citizen science.

These sessions are for everyone; from those who just love a nature walk to early career environmentalists. No experience needed — just curiosity, enthusiasm, and outdoor clothing you don’t mind getting muddy!

Walking Boots/Wellies/Outdoor Shoes are neccessary!

Youth Pathways

These volunteer sessions, which run every two months, are a part of our new Youth Pathways Programme, an accessible and inclusive initative for aspiring conservationists, environmentalists and those with a passion for nature. The group will enable young people, especially those who are underrepresented in the sector, to gain more skills, confidence and experience to access their dream careers.

Importantly these workshops have also been designed and will be led by some of our young staff members, who have first-hand experience in navigating the journey of early career nature conservation.

What to Expect

🦇 Bat Identification & Echolocation
Learn how bats use sound to navigate and hunt, and how to identify different species.

🎧 Using Bat Detectors
Get hands-on with acoustic bat detectors to hear and recognise bat calls in real time.

🌿 Guided Bat Walk
Explore Centre of the Earth at dusk and discover the hidden biodiversity of urban green spaces.

📊 Biodiversity Data & Recording
Learn how species data is collected and used, and how you can contribute to conservation through citizen science.

All activities will be guided by experienced staff, with tasks adapted so everyone can take part meaningfully.

Why Take Part?

• Learn ecological survey skill and use specialist equipment
• Contribute to local biodiversity recording
• Connect with other young people passionate about the environment
• Build experience that could support your future career in conservation, with skill certificates endorsed by the University of Birmingham's BIFOR department.
• Explore environmental justice in action

Meeting Point

We will be meeting at 'The Shack', Shackleton's Lounge Bar in the centre of the Vale Village.

Important Info

• This event is free to attend!
• This event is open to the public (aged 16 to 25) and UoB students.
• Basic Refreshments will be provided.
• Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for walking/working in natural space (walking boots,wellies or equivalent).
• Please note that if you're aged 16 or 17, you will need written permission from your parent/guardian to attend. You will be contacted with a form once you provide your age at the booking stage. This event is not suitable for those under 16.

Register now to secure your place – spaces are limited.

Be part of the first step in reimagining what urban conservation looks like.