Explore the Wild: August Bat Walk
Where Ecology, Creativity and Curiosity Meet
Explore the Wild is a brand new monthly event series led by our 2026 Ecology Intern, Kanchi Mehta, bringing together ecology, science, creativity and outdoor exploration in the heart of our woodlands.
Explore the Wild has been carefully designed to do exactly that. Sessions combine hands-on learning with scientific observation and art, encouraging participants to ask questions, explore ecosystems and understand how wildlife and habitats change throughout the year. Many of the activities also blend creativity with ecology, showing that science and art can work together to deepen our appreciation of nature.
The series continues on Tuesday 18th August 2026 with The Nature of Sound - Evening Bat Walk & Survey
Free for ATU members
For more information, contact: Kanchi Mehta - kanchi.mehta@andovertrees.org.uk
Please see below for an overview on the activity host, Kanchi, and key dates on upcoming sessions!
Meet Kanchi
Kanchi Mehta is a Biology graduate and aspiring ecologist who works with Andover Trees to care for the environment. She specialises in bugs and is passionate about helping others learn to care for and love nature. Alongside ecology, Kanchi is also an artist and wildlife fact aficionado who loves working with the local community and finding creative ways to inspire curiosity about the natural world.
2026 Explore the Wild Calendar
Next Up on Tuesday 18th August 2026 The Nature of Sound - Evening Bat Walk & Survey : Ages 7+ (under 16’s to be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Time 7-9:30
Saturday 25th July 2026: What the Trees See – Cyanotypes (Light Photography) - Ages 7+. Funded by a Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Grow Wild Youth Grant, this creative workshop explores traditional cyanotype photography inspired by woodland life and sunlight.
Follow up sessions take place:
Saturday 22nd August and
Saturday 19th September
Open to previous and new participants
Tuesday 18th August 2026: The Nature of Sound – Evening Bat Walk & Survey - Ages 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). An evening bat walk and survey exploring how bats navigate through sound and darkness, using specialist bat survey equipment.
Saturday 12th September 2026: End of Season BioBlitz - Family and all ages. Part of the annual AGM with Walks and Talks
Wednesday 7th October 2026: Autumn & Winter Wildlife ID - Learn how to identify wildlife, seasonal changes, tracks, signs and species active during the colder months.
Friday 20th November 2026: Cabinets of Curiosity: Collecting & Displaying - A creative and scientific session exploring historical natural collections, specimen displays and the stories objects from nature can tell.
Details
Most sessions last 2 to 3 hours and include refreshments unless otherwise stated.
Please note that while some sessions are suitable for all ages, many activities are designed for older children and young people with an interest in nature, ecology, science and creativity, rather than very young children.
For younger children and families looking for storytelling and seasonal nature experiences, we also recommend Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories with Amanda Kane-Smith.