Shiverpool Bat Walk in St James’ Cemetery Garden
Event Details
Sept 22nd | 18:45-20:00 | St James’ Cemetery Garden
Join Shiverpool at dusk for a special historic guided Bat Walk through St James’ Garden, discovering some of the fascinating bats that make their home and feeding grounds in and around this great green lung!
As daylight fades, guests will descend into the historic garden to learn about its history, haunted heritage wildlife and the stars of the show… The Bats!
We’ll explore the Garden and listen for bat activity using special bat-detecting equipment, learn more about these remarkable nocturnal mammals and the habitats they depend upon.
There will also be a visit to the mythical natural Spring before the finale at the striking William Huskisson Mausoleum.
The event is free, with donations welcomed.
Places are strictly limited to 25 people, so advance booking is essential.
Meeting point: Anglican Cathedral Gates, Upper Duke Street
6:45pm
Ending Location: Anglican Cathedral Gates, Upper Duke Street
8:00pm
Itinerary
Check-in
Meet at the Anglican Cathedral Gates, Upper Duke Street. Welcome, introductions and a short safety briefing, handing out Bat Detectors.
Walk begins
Enter the Garden and learn about the cemetery’s historic landscape and features and why mature trees, sheltered spaces and planting provide valuable habitat for bats.
Sunset
Switch on the bat detectors
Bat detecting & Listening
Use bat detectors to listen for activity and discover how bats navigate, feed and communicate.
Final observations
A final opportunity to listen for bats and ask questions.
Dusk comes to an end. Bat detectors collected in.
Shiverpool Stories at the Chalybeate Spring & Huskisson’s mausoleum to finish the evening
Highlights
Explore Liverpool’s “Père-Lachaise” cemetery after dark, when the Garden takes on a completely otherworldly atmosphere.
Enjoy learning about the dark history of Liverpool’s former “Dormitory of the Dead”
Listen for bats using specialist bat detectors and learn how different species can be identified through their calls.
Discover how old trees, stone structures, sheltered paths and mature planting create valuable feeding and roosting habitat.
Learn about the bats that may be found in Liverpool and their remarkable navigation and hunting abilities.
See how a historic burial landscape also functions as an important urban wildlife refuge.
Hear about the relationship between bats, insects, trees and the wider ecology of St James’ Garden.
Experience the transition from daylight to dusk in one of Liverpool’s most atmospheric historic green spaces.
A rare opportunity to enjoy heritage, wildlife and nocturnal nature together in the heart of the city.
Check-in details
Please arrive 10 minutes before the walk begins to allow time for check-in.
6:45PM-8PM
Meeting point: Anglican Cathedral Gates, Upper Duke Street
Finishing point: Anglican Cathedral Gates, Upper Duke Street
Please check the time on your ticket too!
Please have the name used for the booking ready when you arrive. There is no need to print your ticket.
We take card details to secure any equipment used on the night, so make sure if you are allocated a bat detector that you return it to our team at the end.
Under 18s must arrive with their accompanying adult.
If you are running late, please note that the group may need to leave the meeting point promptly once the walk begins.
Please wear suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a small torch if you have one.
Special Requirements
If you or anyone in your party has accessibility, mobility, sensory or other requirements that may affect your participation, please let us know when booking.
The Bat Walk takes place outdoors after dark on paths through a historic cemetery garden, where surfaces may be uneven, sloping or affected by weather conditions.
We will do our best to provide appropriate information and support so you can decide whether the walk is suitable for you.
Health & Safety
If you or anyone in your party has accessibility, mobility, sensory or other requirements that may affect your participation, please let us know when booking.
The Bat Walk takes place outdoors after dark on paths through a historic cemetery garden, where surfaces may be uneven, sloping or affected by weather conditions.
We will do our best to provide appropriate information and support so you can decide whether the walk is suitable for you.
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
No dogs, except assistance dogs.
All attendees, including children, must have a booked place.
Maximum capacity is 25 people.
The walk takes place outdoors after dark and includes uneven and sloping ground.
Suitable footwear is required.
The event may be cancelled in the event of heavy rain, high winds or unsafe conditions.
Please follow the instructions of the walk leader at all times.
Disclaimers
Bat activity and sightings cannot be guaranteed, as bats are wild animals and their activity is affected by weather and other natural conditions. The event may be altered, postponed or cancelled due to heavy rain, high winds, unsafe ground conditions or other circumstances beyond the organisers’ reasonable control.
FAQ
Do I need to book?
Yes. The walk is free, but places are limited to 25 people, so advance booking is essential.
Why do I need to add card details?
Card details are required to secure any equipment issued to you on the night. No payment will be taken for attending the event. Your card would only be charged if equipment assigned to you on the night is not returned, is lost, or is damaged, in accordance with the event terms and conditions.
Where do we meet?
At Anglican Cathedral Gates, Upper Duke Street.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and every attendee needs a booked place.
What should I wear?
Please wear supportive footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. Layers are recommended as it can become cooler after sunset.
Should I bring anything?
A small torch is useful, and you may wish to bring insect repellent.
Will bat detectors be used?
Yes. Bat-detecting equipment will be used and shared amongst the group to listen for bat activity during the walk.
Are we guaranteed to see bats?
No. Bats are wild animals, so sightings and activity cannot be guaranteed.
Can I bring my dog?
No dogs please, except assistance dogs.
Is the route accessible?
The walk takes place through a historic cemetery garden with some uneven and sloping ground. Please let us know about any accessibility or mobility requirements when booking.
What happens if it rains?
Light or changeable weather may not stop the walk, but heavy rain, high winds or unsafe conditions may result in cancellation. Booked attendees will be contacted if the event cannot go ahead.
What if I can no longer attend?
Please cancel your booking as soon as possible so your free place can be offered to someone else.
Can I arrive late?
Please arrive on time. The group may leave the meeting point and late admission cannot be guaranteed.
