Bats about Bats at Blackbury Camp

As part of the 2026 Heritage Open Days Festival, English Heritage, in partnership with East Devon National Landscape, are inviting you to join our local expert on a bat detecting walk at Blackbury Camp Iron Age Hillfort, near Southleigh, Colyton.

This site is an Iron Age hillfort with many old oak trees lining the ramparts, perfect homes for bats. Sarah will reveal their fascinating lifestyles and using bat detectors we will learn how to identify different bat species from their calls and how they fly.

The tour will take place on Friday 11 September at 7:30pm and will last approx 1.5 hours. All ages welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by a guardian). No dogs allowed on this walk (unless assistance dogs).

- Torch: Bring torch to help guide your way
- Clothing: Advisable to wear long trousers (minimising risk of ticks) and also warm clothing as night time temperatures can plummet
- Stick with the group: There will be a large group, so please keep close to the walk leaders so you can hear us.

In the event of extreme wet weather or wind this walk will not go ahead. We will email you on the morning of the event should it be postponed.

For more information on directions and accessibility please go to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/blackbury-camp/

Timings

Friday 11 September:

1930-2100

Location & directions

Blackbury Camp, Southleigh, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6JE

Directions:

Meet: Blackbury Camp Car Park, near Southleigh, Colyton EX24 6JF What3Words: ///hopeless.dance.shirtless

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Spaces are limited so booking is essential.

Booking contact name:

Hattie Pinches

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bats-about-bats-at-blackbury-camp-tickets-1993873238530?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Booking opens:

14 Jul 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

09 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The walk will take a leisurely pace and the distance covered will be less than 1 mile - not suitable for wheelchairs. The hillfort can be uneven in places and can be muddy after heavy rain, so wellies or stout shoes are essential. No dogs allowed on this walk (unless assistance dogs).

Additional information

Max number of people:

20

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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