Bat trainer endorsement

If you are applying to add bat handling to a licence, you will need to provide evidence that you have the skills and experience needed to handle bats safely and appropriately.

This can be done with either:

• an endorsement from a bat trainer, or
• references from two ecologists licensed to handle bats
  
  

Who can give a bat trainer endorsement

The person giving your endorsement (your bat trainer) must:

• hold a current Natural Resources Wales licence to handle bats
• have directly supervised your training
• have regularly worked with you over a period of time (not just during a single survey)
• have observed your work first-hand across a range of survey and bat handling situations

This ensures they can provide an accurate assessment of your competence.

Who cannot give a bat trainer endorsement

Your bat trainer cannot be someone who:

• has not directly supervised your training
• has only worked with you on a one-off or limited basis
• cannot confirm your practical bat handling skills first-hand
• does not currently hold a valid bat handling licence

How to submit a bat trainer endorsement

Your bat trainer must submit the online bat trainer endorsement form.

They will need to:

• complete the endorsement form in full
• give details about your training and experience

The completed endorsement will be sent directly to you.

You must include this with your species licence application.