NeilMiddleton

Talking Bat

A Nature , Science and Natural Sciences podcast

About the show

Welcome to the Talking Bat podcast series from BatAbility Courses & Tuition. Every month we interview someone important, influential, inspirational or just darn right bat-tastic from the world of bats or from the wider world of ecology/natural history/conservation. These interviews are carried out in a relaxed, conversational style, as we dive deeper into the background of our amazing guests. To find out more about BatAbility visit: www.batability.co.uk To find out more about BatAbility Club visit: www.batability.co.uk/batability-club

Newest episodes

Talking Club (November 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Nov 1, 2026 22 min

Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ NHBS Ltd Our sponsors of BatAbility Club - NHBS Ltd - visit them here

Talking Triathlon with Anne Youngman

Oct 14, 2026 43 min

Anne Youngman is back. She's getting stronger & going longer than ever before. Anne (formerly of Bat Conservation Trust) has just completed her first triathlon in Perthshire, Scotland. We are delighted to have her once again on the podcast, telling us all about it. Enjoy & be inspired! Aberfeldy Middle Distance Triathlon Bat Conservation Trust

Talking Club (October 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Sep 28, 2026 19 min

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All episodes

Talking Club (November 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Nov 1, 2026 22 min

Talking Triathlon with Anne Youngman

Oct 14, 2026 43 min

Talking Club (October 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Sep 28, 2026 19 min

Talking Book with Dr Mark Ferguson (Perspectives on Wildlife Sound Recording)

Sep 24, 2026 44 min

Here we are delighted to be chatting with Dr Mark Ferguson, a professional wildlife sound recordist based in Northern Ireland (UK) & the author of the recently published 'Perspectives on Wildlife Sound Recording - An Overview of Modern Practice'. He studied music at Queen’s University Belfast & University of Manchester (2009–2014) before progressing to full-time doctoral research at University of Birmingham. His work draws attention to sonic relationships between humans, wild species & their shared environments Perspectives on Wildlife Sound Recording - An Overview of Modern Practice Mark Ferguson SoundCloud markfergusonaudio.com Bats Ukraine

Talking Club (September 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Sep 1, 2026 25 min

Talking Publications with Dr Guy Freeman (British Wildlife & CLM)

Aug 11, 2026 47 min

Guy Freeman is the editor of the highly aclaimed publications 'British Wildlife' & 'Conservation Land Management (CLM)'. During this interview we explore Guy's backstory, his career development and his life as an editor of high quality publications. British Wildlife CLM Wilding for Conservation NHBS Ltd Wild Justice

Talking Club (August 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Jul 27, 2026 15 min

Talking Club (July 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Jun 30, 2026 15 min

Talking Bat with Dr Ricardo Rocha (University of Oxford)

Jun 2, 2026 52 min

A fabulous interview with Ricardo Rocha, who originates from Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He is an Associate Professor of Conservation Science at University of Oxford, & Tutorial Fellow at Jesus College. During his academic life he has studied bird, reptile & bat ecology in many parts of the world. His PhD (Universities of Lisbon & Helsinki) addressed the effects of tropical forest fragmentation on bat communities. We were also pleased to be able to discuss human diversity, segregation & associated subjects during our chat, an area which Ricardo has spent a lot of time considering. Find out more about Ricardo Rocha here Instagram: ricardo.nature

Talking Club (June 2026) with Aileen Hendry

May 31, 2026 23 min

Talking Book with Mel Findlay & Pat White (The Otter Field Survey & Monitoring Handbook)

May 26, 2026 44 min

Mel Findlay & Pat White are the authors of the recently published 'The Otter Field Survey & Monitoring Handbook - A Practical Guide to Field & Camera-Trap Surveys'. Mel is a seasoned consultant ecologist with >25 years’ experience, specialising in otters. Pat is an associate professor, based at the Centre for Conservation & Restoration Science at Edinburgh Napier University, his research focusing on developing evidence & practical methods in wildlife monitoring & conservation. The Otter Field Survey & Monitoring Handbook - A Practical Guide to Field & Camera-Trap Surveys - find out more here International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) - find out more here

Talking Book with Sarah Whild (The Biological Recording Handbook)

May 11, 2026 45 min

Here we had the huge pleasure of talking with Sarah Whild, author of the recently published 'The Biological Recording Handbook - Making Wildlife Count'. Sarah had a career teaching biological recording as a university lecturer. Now retired, amongst other things, she describes herself as a card-carrying botanist & drinker of good gin. The Biological Recording Handbook - Making Wildlife Count - Find out more here National Forum for Biological Recording - Find out more here Wildlife & Countryside Link - Find out more here

Talking Club (May 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Apr 29, 2026 19 min

Talking Book with Graeme Lyons (Pan-Species Listing - How To Become A Super-Naturalist)

Apr 1, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Absolutely delighted to be chatting with Graeme Lyons, the author of 'Pan-Species Listing - How to Become A Super-Naturalist'. This interview touches on same many areas, including aspects of Graeme's life, becoming an author, & of course, lots of information & the backstory to the book itself. Pan-Species Listing - How to Become A Super-Naturalist find out more here Visit Graeme's blog, 'The Lyons Share' here Visit Pan-Species Listing website here Visits The British Arachnological Society website here

Talking Club (April 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Mar 31, 2026 23 min

Talking Book with Chris Stone (European Deserts)

Mar 5, 2026 48 min

Chris Stone is an environmentalist & author. We are delighted to be talking with him here about his new book, published in February 2026, 'European Deserts - Sandy Wilderness on a Green Continent'. During the interview we explore the background to the book, some of the key points that Chris is seeking to make within its covers, & also Chris's experiences as an author. European Deserts - Sandy Wilderness on a Green Continent' find out more here Geograph - Photograph every grid square! - find out more here

Talking Club (March 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Feb 24, 2026 20 min

Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ Ecology Expo 2026 find out more here Mammal Society Conference 2026 find out more here Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush - new book by Neil Middleton

Talking Book with Neil Middleton (Our Man Incognito)

Feb 19, 2026 35 min

During this interview, Aileen Hendry interviews Neil Middleton about his newly published book, 'Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush'. We discuss the background to the book, a selection of short humerous stories based on everyday life events, as well as numerous associated subjects. Neil Middleton - Author website here 'Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush' find out more here

Talking Book with Frank Rennie (The Merlin)

Feb 18, 2026 43 min

Frank Rennie is the author of numerous books, including his latest one, 'The Merlin - The Ecology of A Magical Raptor'. During this interview we are delighted to be talking to Frank about his experiences as an author, as well as the backdrop to this latest book. And, of course, as you would expect, there are a number of interesting tangents as our chat evolves. The Merlin - The Ecology of A Magical Raptor here The Corncrake - An Ecology of An Enigma here Among The Layers of The Land here The Changing Outer Hebrides here

Talking Club (February 2026) with Aileen Hendry

Jan 30, 2026 17 min

Every month Aileen Hendry (BatAbility Courses & Tuition) is joined by Neil Middleton to deliver a 'light-hearted' monthly update for our BatAbility Club members. We are sharing it here for the benefit of anyone who wishes to find out more about what we are up to. If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/ Our Man Incognito - Tales from the Urban Bush - new book by Neil Middleton

Talking Bird with Dr Mateo Ruiz (Barn Owl Trust)

Dec 29, 2025 33 min

Dr Mateo Ruiz is Head of Conservation at the Barn Owl Trust, after having first completing his post-graduate research on bird communities in coastal wetlands of Mexico. During this session we discuss in depth his experiences & career journey to date, along with exploring some of his other interests. Barn Owl Trust - find out more here

Talking Club (December 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Nov 28, 2025 21 min

Talking Botany with Ben Averis (Botonist & Artist)

Nov 17, 2025 57 min

Here we are delighted to bring to you an interview with Ben Averis. Ben is highly respected within the ecology sector for his knowledge on botany, & along with his wife, Alison Averis, they have created sought after consultancy services, delivering many specialist botonatical surveys & training. As well as botany, Ben is also an artist, a musician & a poet, all of which we touch upon during this chat. Follow Ben on BlueSky: @averisben.bsky.social Ben & Alison Averis website Ben Averis Art website Botanical Society of Scotland website

Talking Dubai Wildlife with Gary Burns (Dubai Transit Birding, Herping & Mammals)

Nov 1, 2025 38 min

An excellent interview with Gary Burns, an experienced & highly respected wildlife guide & natural history photographer based in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). He offers wildlife tours for those transiting through Dubai, or in the area already be that on holiday or more permanently. We have used Gary oursleves during a trip to the area, & were astonished to see what the area had to offer. Find out now for yourself - listen to this podcast. Dubai Birding, Herping & Mammals website Dubai Transit Birding, Herping & Mammals facebook Barn Owl Trust

Talking Club (November 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Oct 28, 2025 21 min

Talking Dragonfly with Dave Smallshire (Author, Wildlife Guide & Birder)

Oct 24, 2025 44 min

Dave Smallshire is hugely respected in the world of dragonflies, a subject about which he has authored many books, & also played a key part in their conservation. As well as all of this, he is a keen birder, photographer & an experienced wildlife guide. During this interview we explore many aspects of his life journey. Dragonflies Of Britain & Ireland book Europe's Dragonflies book British Dragonfly Society

Talking Snow Leopard with Dr Jonny Hanson (Snow Leopard Trail short film)

Oct 6, 2025 39 min

Dr Jonny Hanson is a Research Fellow at Queen's University (Belfast), an award-winning social entrepreneur, & an affiliate of the Snow Leopard Conservancy. His PhD research was centred on Snow leopard conservation. This, amongst other things, has lead to a short film (Snow Leopard Trail) about sharing landscapes with apex predators. The subject matter is of relevance to us here in Britain & Ireland, during a time when re-introduction of lynx is being discussed. The film is touring during late 2025 & 2026, with first showings at Queen's Film Theatre (22nd Oct 2025) & Clones Film Festival (23rd/26th Oct 2025) Snow Leopard Trail - watch the teaser here Living With Lynx - find out about the book here Snow Leopard Conservancy - find out more here Jonny Hanson website here

Talking Club (October 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Sep 30, 2025 19 min

Talking Bird with Simon Tonkin & Niki Williamson (Inglorious Bustards)

Sep 16, 2025 57 min

An excellent interview with Simon Tonkin & Niki Williamson, the owners of Inglorious Bustards, based in Andalucia, Spain. During our chat we talk about, setting up their business, bird migration, eco-tourism, the trips they organise & the conservation work they are involved with in The Gambia. Inglorious Bustards - visit here Flyway Birding Association - visit here

Talking Conference - National Bat Conference - Durham 2025

Sep 8, 2025 55 min

During the Bat Conservation Trust's National Bat Conference (Dutham, Sept 2025) we had the pleasure of catching up with many old friends, & meeting some new ones. Here we have created a podcast which includes some of the many people we engaged with. Massive thanks to all, including the following podcast participants - in order of appearance, as follows: Nigel Massen (Pelagic Publishing) Steve Powell/Daniel Moonen (NHBS Ltd) Oliver Devereux (Thomas Jacks Ltd) Andrew Milner/Liat Wicks/Kate Volodarets (Thermal Vision Ecology) Sarah Deans (Lotek UK Ltd) Tiffany Jedrecka/Kate Denton (Nature Metrics) Sam Davis (Reflex Cameras) Josef Carlson (BioSonic, Sweden) Andreia Correia da Costa (Bat Conservation Trust) Carrie-Ann Coxon Illustrations David Koller (Elekon AG - Switzerland) Dilly Hoyt (Fox Mountain Glassworks) Martin Bailey (Wildlife & Countryside Services / Poland Trips) Paul Howden-Leach (Wildlife Acoustics)

Talking Book with George Bemment (author of 'Bats & Ladders')

Aug 29, 2025 43 min

Here we are delighted to be speaking with George Bemment about the recently published 'Bats & Ladders, Stories from the Real World of Bat Conservation'. George has been involved with mammals her whole working life, as a zookeeper for 5 years, before taking a zoology degree & then in 1988 joining a national bat conservation project. Professional & voluntary bat work has dominated her life. A mammalogist at heart, she has also taught as a part-time lecturer in mammalogy (Exeter University), sat on the Council of the Mammal Society, & is a founding member of the Devon Mammal Group Bats & Ladders - find out more about the book here The Bat Conservation Trust

Talking Club (September 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Aug 28, 2025 16 min

Talking Ultra-Marathon for Bats with Anne Youngman

Aug 22, 2025 45 min

Anne Youngman was the Bat Conservation Trust’s (BCT) first Scottish Bat Officer from 2003 to 2017, & is very well known & respected within the bat community. This is her 4th time on Talking Bat, & on this occasion we focus on her latest challenge, this time to complete the 100 km St Cuthbert’s Way ultra-marathon. A challenge that could take >19 hours to complete. Did she do it? Find out here. Why? It’s all for charity \o/ in order to raise money for The Bat Conservation Trust. Make your donation here on Anne's Just Giving page.

Talking Podcast 10,000 Special with Neil Middleton & Aileen Hendry (BatAbility)

Aug 15, 2025 33 min

A 'one off' special just for our podcast audience. Aileen Hendry interviews Neil Middleton about the recent Talking Bat milestones achieved: >100 episodes & >10,000 downloads. ^o^ A massive thanks to all of our amazing guests & all of our fabulous listeners. :-) If you are not a Club member, but would like to know more about how to join up, please go to the following link: batability.co.uk/batability-club/

Talking Bird with Lucy McRobert (Author, Columnist, Birder & Naturalist)

Aug 7, 2025 1 hr 24 min

Thought provoking, engaging, entertaining & aspirational are all things we can say about our guest, Lucy McRobert. In addition to her role at The Sound Approach, Lucy writes a monthly column for the hugely respected Birdwatch magazine, & has authored two books, so far (more on the way!). Really enjoyed our chat, & getting her perspectives on so many aspects of life, being a birder & being an author. Blue's Planet (Australia) book 365 Days Wild book Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust

Talking Club (August 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Jul 31, 2025 17 min

Talking Book with James Shipman (author 'Identifying Bats of Britain & Ireland')

Jul 14, 2025 42 min

Delighted to invite James Shipman back for a second time on our Talking... series. This time we are focussing on his recently published book: Identifying Bats of Britain & Ireland - A Field Workers Guide Bat Conservation Trust

Talking Bat with Ian Agranat (Wildlife Acoustics)

Jul 7, 2025 1 hr 11 min

Ian Agranat is the founder & CEO at Wildlife Acoustics, an organisation that supplies a huge amount of bio-acoustics hardware & software solutions worldwide. During this interview we explore Ian's backstory, the lead up to the launch of the business, & the current challenging economic/political climate within which a US based company is operating. Wildlife Acoustics The Nature Connection

Talking Club (July 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Jun 26, 2025 18 min

Talking Bat with Jim Mullholland (BATS Research & Training)

Jun 11, 2025 1 hr 20 min

An excellent conversion with Jim Mullholland, director of BATS Research & Training. Jim has been involved with bat research since 2005, & is also a qualified arboriculturist, as well as having a diploma in teaching & training. He is highly respected in his field of expertise, & heavily involved in bat-related training. Bat Conservation Trust Nightwatch project

Talking Club (June 2025) with Aileen Hendry

May 30, 2025 19 min

Talking Bat with Adria Lopez-Baucells (Researcher & Author)

May 14, 2025 34 min

Adria Lopez-Baucells is a bat researcher & conservationist at the Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers. He carried out his PhD (University of Lisbon, 2018) on the Effects of Amazonian rainforest fragmentation on tropical bats using autonomous ultrasound detectors, which also resulted in the publication of his first book: 'Field Guide To The Bats of the Amazon' Ardia Lopez-Baucells website Bat Monitoring Programme website

Talking Club (May 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Apr 29, 2025 15 min

Talking Book with Dr Paul F Donald (author of 'Traffication')

Apr 11, 2025 45 min

Dr Paul Donald is a senior conservation scientist (Birdlife International) with >30 yrs experience conceiving, planning, funding & managing high-impact projects on a wide range of issues, & has published research in many of the world’s leading scientific journals. During this interview we take a look at some of Paul's previous work, his passion for larks, & then move on to discussing his latest book 'Traffication - How Cars Destroy Nature & What We Can Do About It'. Traffication - How Cars Destroy Nature & What We Can Do About It Birdlife International - Donate Here Ornithological Society Of The Middle East The Caucasus and Central Asia - Join Here Facing Extinction - The World's Rarest Birds and the Race to Save Them

Talking Club (April 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Mar 31, 2025 19 min

Talking Bat with Dr Orly Razgour (University of Exeter)

Mar 10, 2025 46 min

Delighted to be chatting with Dr Orly Razgour (University of Exeter), who is an Associate Professor in Global Change Ecology, as well as Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. Describing herself as a molecular ecologist & conservation biologist, Orly's research is applied in nature, aiming to provide the evidence base for managing our environment. Dr Orly Razgour on ResearchGate Bat Conservation Trust

Talking Club (March 2025) with Aileen Hendry

Feb 28, 2025 17 min

'Talking Coexistence' with Dr Jonny Hanson (author 'Living With Lynx')

Feb 22, 2025 53 min

Dr Jonny Hanson @jonnyhhanson is a Research Fellow at Queen's University (Belfast), an award-winning social entrepreneur, & the author of the recently published 'Living With Lynx - Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves & Bears'. During our conversation we look at various perspectives around the subject matter of the book, as well as other associated topics. 'Living With Lynx' book here Dr Jonny Hanson website here Snow Leopard Conservancy Snow Leopard Trail documentary teaser here

Talking Animal Welfare with Kate Myers (Speaking Of Animals Outreach)

Feb 8, 2025 44 min

Know Better, Do Better! Kate Myers is the founder of Speaking Of Animals Outreach. Describing herself as a visual storyteller, film producer & author, Kate has worked for animal welfare her entire adult life having previously held numerous positions including being Executive Director of Washington State Humane Association. Speaking of Animals Outreach website Speaking of Animals Outreach Facebook Speaking of Animals Outreach Instagram Email Contact: kate@speakingofanimalsoutreach.org

Talking Bat with Kit Stoner (Chief Executive of Bat Conservation Trust)

Feb 3, 2025 47 min

Kit Stoner is the Chief Executive of the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) based in the UK, as well as Vice Chair of Environmental Investigations Agency, & a trustee of BatLife Europe. During this interview we touch upon all aspects of her working life journey, which started of in publishing, advertising & training, before moving into bat conservation, a decision which would eventually take her to becoming Chief Executive of BCT. Of course, like many of our interviews, we also explore aspects of Kit's non-working life.

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Talking Club (November 2026) with Aileen Hendry

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Podcast details

Created by: NeilMiddleton
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 1, 2026
Episodes: 100
Release period: Every two weeks
Avg. episode length: 44 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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