Bats

Apart from humans, dogs and hedgehogs, there is another mammal that likes to visit us.

Our garden is the ideal place to watch bats flying against the dusk sky. It is especially designed to attract insects and as a result attracts bats hunting for food.

Come just as the sun goes down, find yourself a bench and it won't be long before you see them darting through the sky feeding on the insects and moths.

This photograph is a common pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) flying through Regent's Park.

There are many myths surrounding bats in particular that they are blind and the other is they get caught in your hair! Neither is accurate and you have nothing to worry about. They are keen to leave you alone while they search for food.

Bats do not make nests, but choose various places throughout the year to roost. Some prefer hollow trees, others caves, some use both at different times. Many shelter in buildings, behind hanging tiles and boarding, or in roof spaces. Bats are clean and sociable animals and spend many hours grooming themselves.

For several weeks in summer, female bats choose somewhere warm to gather in a maternity roost.

Here they have their babies, staying until the young are able to fly and feed themselves. A bat mothernormally has only a single baby in a year, and not always every year.

In August the young bats are around six to eight and begin to catch insects for themselves and no longer need their mothers’ milk. The summer maternity colonies begin to disperse and bats may move to autumn mating roosts.

Bats are often found roosting in houses, both modern and old. You may realise that you have bats roosting in your house during the summer months, when they are most likely to be active. If you do think you have bats, call the Bat Helpline (0845 1300 228) and ask for a copy of our ‘Living with bats’ booklet, which gives advice and information for roost owners.

It is illegal to harm or disturb bats, or deliberately alter their roost sites without first seeking advice – call the Bat Protection Trust Helpline (above) for more information. Bats need everyone’s help and protection. For more information about Bat Walks, supporting bat conservation and what to do if you find an injured bat, visit www.bats.org.uk