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Gilbert White’s House & Gardens – Discovering the Bats and Moths of Selborne

Gilbert White’s House & Gardens – Discovering the Bats and Moths of Selborne

15 May 2026

20.30pm to 22.00pm


Discovering the Bats and Moths of Selborne Come and join us to encounter bats and moths in the grounds of Gilbert White’s House.

Bats and moths are indicators of the health of the natural environment being sensitive to changes in potential habitat and land management and an important part of our natural landscape; something which didn’t escape the attention of Gilbert White as early as the 18th Century.

You are welcome to join us from around dusk to explore the meadow and gardens looking for bats and listening to them echolocate their prey.

Later there will be an opportunity to see how the moth lights are set up and experience the first insect visitors of the night to the lights.

Bat detectors will be available to use and field guides for reference. As well as helping to identify bats and moths that are seen, there will be an opportunity to experience other nocturnal life in the grounds.

This event will include outdoor activity including short walks in the relative dark so please come dressed appropriately for the weather and time of year with sturdy footwear and please bring a torch.

A warm drink and biscuits will be available during the evening. Price: £14 adults, £8 for those age 18 and under Venue: Gilbert White Field Studies Centre

Details

Start: 15 May 2026
End: 15 May 2026

Location Details

Location Venue: Gilbert White Field Studies Centre located at: Gilberts White’s House & Gardens, High Street, Selbourne, Hampshire Gilbert White’s House and Gardens is nestled in Selborne, Hampshire in the heart of the South Downs countryside. It was once home to pioneering naturalist and father of Ecology, Gilbert White. Visitors can explore up to 30 acres of open land and gorgeous 18th century gardens as well as the 18th century house.
Postcode GU34 3JH
Directions

Finding Us: How to find us information: https://gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/how-to-find-us/ For those coming by car, use the car park behind the Selborne Arms pub GU34 3BN. Selborne is on the B3006 which is accessible via the A31 and the A3. What 3 Words: • Car Park: ///signified.strapped.shovels • Museum Entrance: ///venturing.region.heat • White’s Cafe: ///flags.momentous.delight • Field Studies Centre (Barn): ///bonfires.dentistry.sandwich Other forms of transport to get here: By Bus The 38 bus between Alton and Petersfield runs through Selborne, our nearest bus stop is the Selborne Arms. Please always check before you travel as timings may change. By Train Our nearest train stations are Alton and Liss. Both have regular trains to and from London Waterloo, as well as bus links to Selborne. There are many footpaths linking Selborne with nearby towns and villages. Look out for the Hangers Way which links Selborne with Alton and Petersfield. Find out more here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryside/walking/hangersway

Organiser Details

Organiser's Name Kimberley James
Organiser's Website https://gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/event/discovering-the-bats-and-moths-of-selborne/?event_date=2026-05-15
Organiser's Email marketing@gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
Organiser's Telephone 01420 511275

"The Downs...too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness."