In this episode, we chat with Emeritus Professor Paul Racey, one of the best-known figures in bat ecology and conservation. Paul talks about how his interest in bats began when he was at school, watching dusk fall and becoming curious about the animals that emerge after dark. He shares how early teachers, university life, and time in the field helped shape what became a lifelong career.

We look back over Paul’s many years of work, including his role in helping to establish the Bat Conservation Trust. He reflects on how bat conservation has changed, why public interest and understanding really matter, and the moments that shifted the field forward—particularly the arrival of full-spectrum bat detectors.

Paul also discusses some of his key research, from discoveries about bat breeding to the work of his students, and why mentoring the next generation has always been so important to him. The conversation touches on his work afield too, covering his research in Madagascar, where working closely with local scientists led to the discovery of a new bat species Pipistrellus raceyi.

Listen to our episode with Sue Swift here.

Listen to our episode with Jon Russ here.

Take a look at Pipistrellus raceyi.

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Please leave us a review or star rating if your podcast app allows it because it helps us to reach a wider audience so that we can spread the word about how great bats are. How to write a podcast review (and why you should).

Got a story to share with us? Please get in touch via comms@bats.org.uk

Bats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!

In this episode of BatChat, we explore the significant roost of greater horseshoe bats on the National Trust's Stackpole estate in Pembrokeshire, Wales. With insights from conservationists Maggie Andrews and Paul Culyer, we discuss the site’s impressive growth from 200 bats in 1994 to over a thousand today. Paul recounts the early discovery of the maternity roost, while Maggie shares her late husband's innovative work with bat detectors that has contributed to over three decades of data. We delve into the bats' unique behaviors, vocalizations, and the impacts of climate change on their lifecycle. The episode concludes with a celebration of bat conservation efforts and the strong community bonds formed through this important work.

Leaving a review helps other listeners find the show more easily and spread the good word about bats. Don't know how to leave a comment? Check out our simple instructions here.

Support the show

Please leave us a review or star rating if your podcast app allows it because it helps us to reach a wider audience so that we can spread the word about how great bats are. How to write a podcast review (and why you should).

Got a story to share with us? Please get in touch via comms@bats.org.uk

Bats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!

Steve Page from the Hampshire Bat Group is the custodian of Andrew Watson's Holgate Bat Detector, one of the first commercially available bat detectors which was developed in the 1960s. Steve built his own bat detector which kick-started his journey into bat conservation, joining the Hampshire Bat Group which led him to discovering the Holgate Detector. He's currently working to get it restored to a fully working condition and we join him in his workshop as he talks us through the components.

Leaving a review helps other listeners find the show more easily and spread the good word about bats. Don't know how to leave a comment? Check out our simple instructions here.

Support the show

Please leave us a review or star rating if your podcast app allows it because it helps us to reach a wider audience so that we can spread the word about how great bats are. How to write a podcast review (and why you should).

Got a story to share with us? Please get in touch via comms@bats.org.uk

Bats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!