In this session, veterinary surgeon Heidi Hargreaves shares practical insights into the rehabilitation of bats, drawing from her extensive experience working with injured and orphaned wildlife. The talk will guide participants through initial assessment, triage, and stabilisation, with a focus on welfare-centred, evidence-based care. 

Heidi will explore the practicalities of medication use—including antibiotics—within the constraints of UK and EU veterinary regulations. While surgical interventions such as pinning will be acknowledged, the emphasis will be on realistic, non-invasive techniques that support successful outcomes and safe return to the wild. This session is ideal for rehabilitators, vets, and conservation practitioners across Europe. 

At the end of the talk, a live Q&A session will take place with Heidi. 

Heidi Hargreaves is Lead Veterinary Surgeon at Vale Wildlife Hospital in the UK, with a special interest in wildlife medicine and rehabilitation.

She began her career in her 20s as a bat rehabilitator and has remained deeply involved in bat conservation ever since.

Andrea Spotti
beWarrant

[email protected]

Bronwen Hunter
University of Sussex

[email protected]