The free festival that welcomes the public to expand their knowledge on bats is back at the capital this Saturday, announced the Brussels administration for environment and energy, Brussels Environment.
While the Brussels-Capital Region is home to around 20 species of bats, the number of these nocturnal creatures has "fallen dramatically" since the 1950s across Europe.
"Human activities are the main cause of this decline. Bats suffer from the destruction of their habitat, the use of pesticides and insecticides, and light pollution," explained a statement by Brussels Environment.
The event serves as a way to raise awareness for the challenges faced by bats, call for better protection of the animal, and explain their crucial role in nature as natural insecticides and pollinators.
A forest bat. Credit: Vilda/Rollin Verlinde/Natuurpunt
The bat festival will take place on 30 August in Auderghem at the Rouge-Cloître (or Red Monastery). The area is relatively appealing to bats due to the nearby trees, ponds, old buildings and orange-coloured LED lighting, which is less disruptive to the animals than other street lamps.
The day will start at 14:00, with several stands where visitors can take the opportunity to speak to bat experts or participate in activities like building a bat nesting box.
Shortly after, at 14:30 and again at 16:39, visitors can enjoy guided walks in the nearby forest to discover more about the Rouge-Cloître site and the natural habitats of some of the bats.
Pipistrellus bats. Credit: Brussels Environment/Yves Adams
Additionally, the programme features a show by Théâtre de la parole at 15:00 and 15:30, as well as open-air documentary screenings about light pollution and bats at 18:15 and 20:45.
When night falls, visitors can join groups for a "bat walk" to meet the little creatures. The walks will take place at 21:30 and 22.10.
All the activities at the bat festival are free of charge and do not require prior registration. More details about the programme can be found online.
The bat festival in the capital is part of the International Bat Night, an initiative which began in the late 90s with the mission to educate the general public on the role of bats in nature and raise awareness for their challenges.
Over 50 countries worldwide celebrate the international initiative. In Brussels, the event is organised by Brussels Environment and Natagora, with the support of the municipality of Auderghem.
