06 Jun 2026
Ben Morgan-Brown inspecting Soprano Pipistrelle wing - handled under licence

We’re thrilled to celebrate a fantastic achievement from one of our Countryside team! Nature Reserve Ranger Ben Morgan-Brown has officially become… a Batman!

Ben has successfully achieved his CL-18 (Level 2) Bat Licence – a significant milestone that allows him to survey bats using techniques such as artificial lighting, endoscopes, and even carefully handling bats when required.

But this achievement hasn’t happened overnight. Over the past three years, Ben has dedicated more than 400 hours to training, working alongside bat specialists across the Southwest. His journey has included hands-on experience with licenced bat workers such as EDDC District Ecologist Will Dommett and members of the Devon Bat Conservation and Research Group.

Ben inspecting wing - handled under licenceBen with Daubenton's - handled under licenceBats handled under licence

During this time, Ben has explored a wide range of bat habitats – from caves and trees to buildings; as well as taking part in trapping surveys at key sites, including some of our very own nature reserves like Seaton Wetlands, Knapp Copse, and Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserves.

Now he can work under his own license, Ben will play an even bigger role in helping us understand and protect these fascinating nocturnal creatures. His work will support ongoing surveys across our reserves and beyond, including monitoring bat box schemes in the years ahead.

Nature Reserves Ranger, Ben Morgan-Brown “It’s been a really rewarding journey working towards my bat licence, and I’m very grateful to everyone who has shared their expertise and time with me during my training. I’m looking forward to expanding the work I currently do across the reserves to help us learn more about the bats using our sites and how we can protect them.”

James Chubb, Countryside Manager added: “We’re incredibly proud of Ben for achieving his bat licence – it’s a fantastic accomplishment and a real testament to his dedication over the past three years. Bats are a vital part of our ecosystems, and a valuable keystone species for conservation. Having legally licenced staff able to monitor and study them is a huge benefit for managing our nature reserves effectively and protecting them for the future.”