Results from detectors and camera traps left overnight at Swanton Morley

One evening before each walk, we leave bat detectors that can record all night and camera traps that are triggered by movements and capture images of wildlife using the grounds overnight. This allows us to record some of our shyer animals, but also gives us an insight into bat activity and the number of species of bats commuting and foraging in the area. Effectively providing us with a snapshot of what is happening in the vicinity during one evening. 

All the data recorded is then analysed using sound analysis software, then manually checked where necessary. 

At Swanton Morley, where our second NWN walk took place, we left 1 SM3 bat detector and 2 Anabats, set to record from sunset to sunrise at three different locations, not far from All Saints Church (see map below). 

The SM3 (Song Meter SM3Bat) is a full spectrum, real time bat recorder, with the ability to record all frequencies continuously. Sampling at high rates, it captures all the signal information then outputs it in real time, resulting in high quality recordings, that give clear details of the bat call structure, and thus allows for detailed sound and sonogram analysis if required.  The Anabat is a a frequency division recorder, which captures the full frequency range and records sound continuously onto a SD card. However, some information can get lost, and recordings are not as high quality as full spectrum, real time detectors. Both types of detectors can be left to record long term if desired, providing many nights of happy bat recording.

Locations of the bat detectors 

Results from the bat detectors - number of bat passes 
Village: Swanton Morley
Church: All Saints

Point B (front of the church)

553 Common pipistrelles 
66 Soprano pipistrelles
7 Natterer's
1 Myotis species
1 Noctule
1 Leislers

5 species identified

Point C 

668 Common pipistrelles
107 Soprano pipistrelles

2 species identified

Point D (beginning of the Wensum way trail)

44 Common pipistrelles
35 Soprano pipistrelles
8 Natterer's
1 Myotis species
2 Noctules

4 species identified

Results from the camera traps

From the camera traps we found images of the following wildlife. No activity was captured at night, but our cameras did show some activity in the morning:

Chaffinch

Rabbit