Bat handlers also have to get things like rabies jabs etc before they can be licensed- this can be a problem as many doctors will refuse to give you a jab on the NHS. Some insist employers pay (if your working for an organisation that is providing your training) or you have to pay out of your pocket. I think they quoted around £250 to pay for it to be done, so if your doing it as a hobby, its a fairly costly training process.

i went out 'bat trapping' once last year with a licensed PHD student studying bats- he used a harp trap to attract bats and stop them mid flight,and they drop into a fabric bag at the bottom with flaps to stop them escaping- most amazing thing ever! Really special experience, seeing such wonderful creatures up close!

i might go for my licence one day, but it takes alot of time and dedication to do, and if its just a hobby it must take up alot of your time to keep your hand in enough to be able to maintain your licence.