Bats – Nature’s Hidden Heroes

Bats are the world’s only true flying mammals, consume thousands of insects, including those that are harmful to humans, and Irish research is studying the bat genome to unlock the secrets of ageing!

Yet these most sophisticated of mammals are often misunderstood.Which bats occur in the west of Ireland and how can we make space for nature in our locality, as it continues to nurture us? Join Ruth Hanniffy to navigate the night through sound waves and echoes and go on immersive journey into the world of bats through sound, sight, and science.

Ruth Hanniffy Bio

Ruth Hanniffy has worked for over two decades in species conservation, ecological policy, habitat management and public engagement across Ireland and the UK. She is the Biodiversity Officer with Sligo County Council, an experienced nature photographer and keen adventurer. Previously, as Species Conservation Officer with the Vincent Wildlife Trust, she delivered conservation programmes on the lesser horseshoe bat, pine marten and Irish stoat including monitoring, research and managing human-wildlife conflict and contributed to international research collaborations for the critically endangered European Mink.

As Biodiversity Officer with the Environment Agency (UK) she developed river restoration projects and undertook species and habitat surveys across the Thames region. Ruth holds a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Wildlife Management and Conservation. She is Chair of the national Local Authority Biodiversity Officer Network and a member of the Council of Bat Conservation Ireland.