Become a volunteer bat roost visitor

Become a volunteer bat roost visitor


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Guidance BECOME A VOLUNTEER BAT ROOST VISITOR Find out what a volunteer bat roost visitor (VBRV) does and how to get trained and licenced to carry out bat roost visits. Get emails about this


page APPLIES TO ENGLAND CONTENTS * The role * How to become a VBRV * VBRV training * Bat workers’ manual * Contact Natural England Print this page THE ROLE Natural England’s volunteer bat


roost visitors (VBRVs) visit bat roosts in homes, places of worship and other public buildings to: * reassure people affected or distressed by bats * advise on timing and methods for


building maintenance and pest control * reduce the possibility of bats being excluded from their roosts VBRVs play an important role in bat conservation. HOW TO BECOME A VBRV You cannot go


on bat roost visits as a VBRV on your own until you’ve got a level 1 survey licence. To get this you must be trained by a trainer with a VBRV level 2 survey licence. You must be at least 18


years old to train for a VBRV level 1 survey licence. FIND A TRAINER Before registering as a trainee VBRV you must find a registered and licensed trainer who’s willing to train you. Contact


your local bat group to find out if they have a trainer available. If they do not, Natural England can try to find you a trainer from neighbouring bat groups. VBRV trainers will use their


experience and judgement to decide if they can train you. They should give you a clear and reasonable explanation for their decision if they do not want to take you on. If you’re not


satisfied with their explanation please email [email protected]. REGISTER AS A TRAINEE When you’ve found a trainer, fill in the expression of interest form to register as a


trainee VBRV. Natural England will then email you an induction pack and invite you to a telephone induction. VBRV TRAINING You’ll need to go on bat roost visits with your trainer and other


licenced VBRVs until you’ve got the right knowledge, skills and experience to receive your licence. You’ll also need to complete health and safety training. You’ll be emailed 4 modules to


complete, plus an online test. The modules include: * asbestos awareness * risk management * working at heights * dealing with aggression and violence If you’ve already done health and


safety training, Natural England may agree that you do not need to do these modules. Email [email protected] to find out if the health and safety training you’ve done meets


their requirements. How long it will take for you to finish your training and get your VBRV licence depends on: * ability * previous experience * how many bat roost visits you’ve completed


You will not receive a licence if you do not reach the level of competence and skill required. BAT WORKERS’ MANUAL Read the bat workers’ manual for: * bat protection law * guidance on


handling and identifying bats CONTACT NATURAL ENGLAND Email Natural England at [email protected] for: * more information about becoming a VBRV * health and safety advice


Find out more about bat protection and licences. SIGN UP FOR EMAILS OR PRINT THIS PAGE Get emails about this page Print this page Contents