DEVON GREATER HORSESHOE
BAT PROJECT
Bat Beacons Interpretation
Project Brief
© John J Kaczanow
Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AB
Tel: (01392) 279244 Fax: (01392) 433221 E-mail: contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org
Web site: www.devonwildlifetrust.org Registered charity, no 213224
Protecting Wildlife for the Future
Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
The population of Greater Horseshoe Bats (GHB) has declined by as much as 98% in the UK over
the last century, with an associated 50% reduction in range. This has been mirrored across
northern Europe with Devon now a stronghold for the species in the region.
The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project (DGHBP) is a 5 year partnership project supported by
the Heritage Lottery Fund involving 19 organisations led by Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT).
Vision
To secure the future of the greater horseshoe bat in Devon; the northern European stronghold of
this highly threatened mammal.
Aims
1. Work with landowners to secure habitats for bats in coherent networks across landscapes.
2. Work with the people of Devon to raise the profile of greater horseshoes as a flagship species
for the county.
3. Improve our knowledge of greater horseshoe bats and how they use Devon’s landscapes.
Background
Greater horseshoe bats are among the rarest and most threatened bats in Europe and are
afforded protection under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations
2010. Devon represents an international stronghold for the species supporting the largest
recorded roost in Northern Europe. A number of initiatives have been developed over recent years
to help maintain Devon’s greater horseshoe bat populations. The English Nature Greater
Horseshoe Bat Project (1998-2003) was the most holistic, long term and strategic in approach.
Many other projects have focused on the protection of individual roosts.
The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project has drawn together a wide partnership of organisations
that have an interest in the conservation of greater horseshoe bats. The partnership has been
constituted through formal Terms of Reference and Memoranda of Agreement. We agree that by
working in collaborative partnerships more coherent benefits will be developed for this flagship
species within Devon.
The project will deliver a holistic strategy to secure the long term persistence of the species
through widespread community engagement and targeted land management enhancements.
The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project will be using a range of interpretive media to secure our
ambitious outcomes to enable people to re-connect with fascinating biodiversity on their doorstep
and take positive action for the future of bats. A key part of this will be community focal points,
known as Bat Beacons.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
Project partners include:
Organisation
Bat Conservation Trust
Devon Bat Group
Devon Biodiversity Records Centre
Devon County Council
Devon Wildlife Trust (Lead)
East Devon AONB (Chair)
FWAG SouthWest
Natural England
North Devon AONB
South Devon AONB
Tamar Valley AONB
Blackdown Hills AONB
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust
Vincent Wildlife Trust
Devon Communities Together
St Loye’s Foundation
Clinton Devon Estates
North Devon Biosphere Reserve
University of Exeter
Name
Carol Williams
Steve Markham
Ian Egerton
Sarah Jennings
Peter Burgess
Pete Youngman
Gary Rumbold
David Appleton
Jenny Carey-Wood
Roger English
Corinna Woodall
Linda Bennett
Alex Scholefield
Colin Morris
Martin Rich
Claire Prendergast
Sam Bridgewater
Andrew Bell
Fiona Mathews
Bat Beacons
Bat Beacons will act as community hubs where people can find out more about bats, what they
can do to help and how they can be involved in the project. The Beacons will provide a window
into the fascinating lives of bats, convey important facts about bats and local heritage, and provide
information about events and activities. The project will develop two types of Bat Beacon; in-situ
and mobile.
There are features that will be common to both the in-situ and mobile displays:
1. Easy to access information on greater horseshoe bats – their fascinating lives and the
landscapes they use
2. Where do the bats roost and where do they forage?
3. The threats the bats face
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
4. Live touch screen facility to access a wide range of bat information, games and live roost
cams
5. Video highlights from the roost cameras e.g. first births
6. Greater horseshoe bat video presentation (to be included in 2017)
7. Information about bat byways, events and activities
8. Information on what people can do to help and how to get more involved including events
and activities, and Citizen Science work
9. Contact details for more information including live sign-up to newsletter
One in-situ Bat Beacon was installed during the Development Phase. During the first year of the
DGHBP Delivery Phase, this will require updating to bring in line with four further Bat Beacons that
will be established; two in-situ and two mobile.
In-situ Beacons
Our philosophy for the in-situ Beacons is to provide a foundation of interpretation materials and
core information from which the community and site owners/managers can take on future
ownership and control. Whilst the project has to retain a degree of editorial and management
oversight we will encourage anyone with an interest to develop the Beacons further. The design
will enable content to expand and adapt over time, with support and expertise from our
partnership.
Berry Head Bat Beacon
A Bat Beacon has been successfully established in Berry Head National Nature Reserve during the
project Development Phase.
This Beacon was installed in a historic artillery store, revitalising this redundant built-heritage
feature in this popular visitor location. The Beacon displays pre-recorded highlights of web-cam
videos and provides fascinating information about the bats and the landscapes they rely upon.
This installation provides an insight into the two additional in-situ Beacons that will be developed
during the first year of the Delivery Phase.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
Berry Head Bat Beacon
Features of the in-situ beacons
Features that will be common to all in-situ beacons will include:
 High impact colour background artwork
 Artwork materials for younger visitors
 Information on how bats use the local landscape
 Ample space for project news and updates
The following is one of three large panels (1.5m in height) which have been installed in the Berry
Head Bat Beacon. A similar colour pallet and design has been used in the website design and will
be incorporated in the remaining beacons giving the project a clear identity.
In-situ Beacons will have large spaces available for news and regular updates from the project.
This will be an important method for feeding back data that has been secured through the Citizen
Science programmes or where communities have carried out successful habitat enhancement
works. Case studies featuring the work of local landowners will also be featured. Volunteers and
centre staff will maintain the project updates to ensure they are kept live and provide new
information for repeat visitors.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
Berry Head Bat Beacon artwork
The ‘Canvas’
The ‘foundation’ elements of the in-situ Beacons will include at least two 8’ x 4’ panels printed on
10mm Foamex. The exact dimensions and construction will however be bespoke to the needs of
each location. Pin boards and flat surfaces will be integral to the design to enable bat artwork,
activities, games, news and events to be posted.
Touchscreen technology
Integral to the printed displays will be min 18” interactive touchscreen computers. The software is
bespoke and will be designed (in HTML format) for ease of use and future adaptation. The main
controls will be situated along the bottom of the screen for easy access. The controls are designed
to be used by all ages and by those not familiar with touchscreens.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
The content will consist of multiple-choice information on all of the priority landscapes in the
county with bespoke information on the features of interest in the local geography. Key
attractions will include live links to our roost camera including pre-recorded highlights and a bat
fly-through game. Information will also be available showcasing local bat byways, panoramic
images of roosts and their landscapes, and a video that will use state of the art ’remotely operated
vehicle’ (ROV) footage to illustrate these special landscapes through a bat’s ‘eyes’.
It is envisaged that the viewer will explore the interactive programme on their own terms and at
their own rate, giving them the opportunity of selecting specific information pertinent to them.
In-situ Beacon set-up and development
The development of the Beacons will be overseen by the Project Manager (PM) and the
Community Engagement Officer (CO) who will work alongside the centre staff. The PM and CO will
encourage and facilitate input from local communities, for example at Berry Head the local school
produced a colourful mural which is the back-drop for the more formal interpretation.
Berry Head mural
Centre staff will be able to respond to day-to-day queries from visitors and signpost them to the
right source of advice and information. Community Champions will also take a leading role where
appropriate. New volunteers will be recruited to assist in the manning and maintenance of the
Beacons.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
Mobile Bat Beacons
Features of the mobile beacons will include:
 Pull up display banners with lectern touch screen. The banners will contain information
about the project including habitat and lifecycle of the greater horseshoe bat.
 Practical children’s activities such as card, pencils etc. with instructions on how to ‘build’ a
bat. Pegs and string will be provided to hang up artwork to create a display.
 Folding table to lay out news, information and updates.
 Puzzles with large wooden pieces – e.g. one side to illustrate a good bat habitat and turn
over to show a poor habitat.
 Comments cards for visitor feedback.
Locations
The in-situ Beacons will be located in:
Berry Head National Nature Reserve: Berry Head NNR receives 135,000 visitors per year. A
significant greater horseshoe bat roost is located within the reserve. Emerging bats can be seen at
dusk leaving the roost and foraging over nearby cattle-grazed pastures. A highly popular network
of trails, including the South West Coast Path, cross the site making this the ideal location to
explore bats and their special landscapes. A Beacon has been established in a historic artillery
store and will be accessible throughout the period from Easter to October half term, weekends
and all school holidays.
The Donkey Sanctuary: the Sanctuary is located east of Sidmouth in the heart of the East Devon
AONB and also the East Devon and Dorset World Heritage Site. This rolling coastal land holding is
perfect for foraging bats and conveys the land management we would like to see replicated
elsewhere. The Beacon will be located in their wildlife centre which is being updated during 2016.
The Sanctuary is free to enter and is open 365 days a year (from 9am until dusk). It attracts
250,000 visitors per year.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
The Donkey Sanctuary, East Devon
The Tamar Trails Centre: the Centre is located in the heart of the Tamar Valley project priority
landscape. This is a visitor hub where people can explore the local landscape on foot or by bike.
The centre is open from April - October (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and during all school holidays.
Tamar Trails Centre
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
The mobile Bat Beacons will move between multiple host centres in landscapes where in-situ
Beacons would not reach sufficiently large audiences. They will also be used for events such as
local agricultural shows and village festivities. The following hosts have provided support for
hosting a Beacon:
1. Braunton Countryside Centre, Braunton
2. Stover Country Park, Newton Abbot
3. Buckfastleigh Town Hall, Buckfastleigh
4. Chudleigh Town Hall, Chudleigh
5. Hazelwood House, Loddiswell
6. Avon Mill Garden Centre, Loddiswell
7. Café Alf Resco, Dartmouth
8. The Flavel Centre, Dartmouth
9. Sharpham Estate, Ashprington
10. Beer Quarry Caves, Beer
11. Beer Heritage Centre, Beer
As the project develops, its community engagement activities and the diversity and geographical
coverage of host locations will expand considerably.
The following map shows the locations of in-situ and mobile Beacons. Red stars indicate mobile
Beacon locations, and green sites represent in-situ displays. The purple zones are the project
priority landscapes.
Location of Bat Beacons
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
Bat Beacon Interpretation contract
The successful contractor will design, develop, produce and install the full suite of interpretation
required for 5 Bat Beacons (2 in-situ from new, 1 in-situ update, and 2 mobile).
Audiences
Below is the list of audiences the project is looking to engage. The Bat Beacons will be aimed at
the wider public, but especially focus on young people, families, local communities and potential
volunteers.
1. Devon’s communities, particularly those in and around project priority areas
a. Farmers, landowners and land managers
b. Schools, young people and parents
c. Community groups and parish/town councils
d. Enthusiastic individuals/potential Bat champions
e. Wider public across the county
2. The bat world
a. Bat enthusiasts
b. Bat consultants
c. Academics and researchers
3. Policymakers and local/national government
4. Partners, stakeholders and other organisations
5. Funders
Accessibility
This must comply with the main funder’s (Heritage Lottery Fund) accessibility requirements found
in their interpretation guidance document (http://www.hlf.org.uk/interpretation-guidance) and,
particularly for in-situ Beacons, with the host’s requirements.
New take on previous (Berry Head Beacon)
During its Development Phase the project developed the first Bat Beacon on a small budget. It is
anticipated that this will need updating and bringing in line with the new Beacons, especially to
include a touchscreen unit. This contract does not ask that the new Beacons copy the Berry Head
Bat Beacon but that it is used as a guide to style and content.
Copy and images
The project Team will supply copy and images for use in the Bat Beacons. Many of these will be
copyrighted and will require crediting.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
Contract to include
 provision of 5 touchscreen units (min size 18”) which will need to be robust and preferably
damp-proof;
 all hardware including panels, banners, activities, stands and built structures;
 full and complete installation into the 3 in-situ Beacons and mobile Beacons are ready to
go, delivered to project or initial venue (to be agreed with project manager).
Content to include
 All design and artwork for both physical and virtual
 Bat fly-through game (e.g. Swift game on http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/kids-zone/)
 Ability to add greater horseshoe film during 2017
 Live or recorded footage from project roost cameras
 Site-specific information including Bat Byways (self-guided walking trails from the Beacons)
either on panels or on touchscreen system
 Live sign-up to the project’s e-newsletter from the Bat Beacons would be advantageous
 Live booking of bat detector would be advantageous
Quality
All work will be completed to a high quality standard and will be inspected by the Project Manager
prior to any sign-off. Work deemed not completed to a high quality standard will require reworking or replacement and, until this is done to the satisfaction of the Project Manager, payment
for those elements of the contract will be withheld.
We will need to know
 Guarantee period for all hardware
 Ongoing support – what is available and what charges
We will need to see
 Liability insurance certificates
 Equal opportunities employer information
All copyright will be given to the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project and all base artwork,
related files and background work will be handed over to the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat
Project upon completion. Where new styles or designs are created, a brief style guide will be
required to enable future project work to tie-in.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
It is essential that the interpretation developed follows the Communications Plan of the project in
order to convey consistent messages and styles while reaching the desired audiences. This will be
available to the successful contractor upon start of contract.
Outputs and milestones
Date
Milestone
15th January 2016
Closing date for tenders
nd
22 January 2016
Selection of contractor complete
th
29 January 2016
Contracts signed; initial 15% payment
made
th
26 February 2016
Initial preparation complete (including site
visits, measuring up, initial outline designs,
ID content required from project)
4th March 2016
Initial outline designs assessed, amended
and approved
th
18 March 2016
Draft artwork completed; HTML structure
for touchscreen system designed; built
structures designed
rd
23 March 2016
Draft artwork and HTML structure
assessed, amended and approved; built
structures assessed amended and
approved; identify all fixtures and fittings
required for in-situ Beacons and agree
with owners
th
15 April 2016
HTML structure for touchscreen system
built and tested, draft touchscreen
content completed; final proofs for
artwork completed
nd
22 April 2016
Final proofs for artwork assessed
amended and signed-off; HTML structure
amended following testing; draft content
for touchscreen assessed, amended and
agreed; built structures complete and
ready for installation
29th April 2016
Final touchscreen content completed and
signed-off
th
6 May 2016
All artwork printed; touchscreens
Output
Contract let
Designs approved
Final artwork proofs signedoff; built structures
complete
Final touchscreen content
signed-off
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
18th May 2016
20th May 2016
25th May 2016
15th June 2016
operational; additional materials
purchased; ready for installation
In-situ Beacons installed and operational;
mobile Beacons delivered to first host and
operational
Final tidy-up and amendments complete
Project Team assess Beacons finished
product including quality; if satisfactory
then 75% payment made; Beacons open
Project Team assess use of Beacons; if
satisfactory then final 10% payment made
Bat Beacons installed
Bat Beacons signed-off and
open
Bat Beacon project
complete
Contract timescale and payment
The contract will be let by 29th January 2016 with a 15% initial payment. Beacons will be installed
and operational by 25th May 2016 with 75% payment made upon satisfactory assessment of the
finished product. A final 10% payment will be made upon satisfactory assessment of use by the
public by 15th June 2016. Where assessment is unsatisfactory, payment will be withheld until
amendments are made and assessment is satisfactory. Amendments to this payment schedule
may be made upon request and agreement with Project Manager.
Technical matters including Health & Safety
 The successful contractor will undertake and agree with Devon Wildlife Trust a risk assessment
for the project.
 When undertaking the site visit the contractor must comply with the procedures set out in the
risk assessment.
 Site visits will be agreed with site owners prior to visit, with the project kept informed of all
visits.
Guidelines for tendering
Applications are invited to undertake the above work by contract, for the period 29th January 2016
to 15th June 2016 inclusive. This will include regular reporting and meetings with the DGHB Project
Manager and Community Engagement Officer together with site visits to Bat Beacon locations. All
work must be completed according to the timescale and milestones above.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
To submit your proposal please use the ‘Pro forma for Response to Bat Beacon Interpretation
Tender’ available with this briefing.
Costs for the work, should not exceed a total maximum of £29,500 (including VAT) inclusive of all
expenses. Please provide all budget information clearly showing VAT. If a contractor does not pay
VAT then the total maximum costs for work will be the net rate of £24,583.
The contract will be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tender, as assessed
against the following criteria:




Cost – 50%
Skills/knowledge – 30%
Delivered to time and on budget – 10%
Proposed approach to delivery – 10%
Proposals can be sent electronically or by hard copy, and should be received no later than 5pm on
Friday 15 January 2016 sent to Samantha Little (HR and Central Services Assistant) at the following
address:
Samantha Little
HR and Central Services Assistant
Devon Wildlife Trust
Cricklepit Mill
Commercial Road
Exeter
EX2 4AB
jobapps@devonwildlifetrust.org
Telephone: 01392 279244
For an informal discussion and/or any questions relating to the work delivery, please speak to Ed
Parr Ferris (Project Manager) on 01392 279244.
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Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project
Bat Beacons Interpretation Project Brief
Project Management
Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project Manager
C/O Devon Wildlife Trust
Cricklepit Mill
Commercial Road
Exeter
Devon
EX2 4AB
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