Bats are one of the most misunderstood species in Britain – people either love them or loathe them. Now Dorset Wildlife Trust is giving bat lovers and the bat-curious a chance to spend a weekend exploring the world’s only flying mammal, with a weekend stay on Brownsea Island.

Situated in the picturesque Poole Harbour, the island is the perfect place to learn about this charismatic mammal, as after the sun sets over the beautiful island lagoon, not a single light will flicker on across the Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserve. In tranquil darkness, bats such as brown long-eared, pipistrelle and serotine will emerge to hunt for prey across the National Trust owned Island.

Nick Tomlinson, centre manager of The Kingcombe Centre at Dorset Wildlife Trust, is leading the event. Nick said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for any bat enthusiasts out there, or even people curious to learn more about them.

“You will have the chance to use bat detectors to hear different species feeding, get to experience a dawn swarm of bats flying around you, and even get to see them up close as you will help to complete a survey of the bat boxes on the island.

“There will be late nights and very early mornings, coupled with some free time to explore the island when it is closed to the public.

“This will be a very rare treat with its rich and diverse range of species, some of which are rarely found on the mainland.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kingcombe Centre is hosting this special event on Brownsea Island from Friday, May 25 at 4.30pm until Sunday 27 at 4pm.

The weekend course costs £220, with food and accommodation on the island provided. For more details and to book a place call The Kingcombe Centre on 01300 320684 or visit kingcombe.org/courses