Last night, Knowle Park Trust chairman Martin attended a Surrey Wildlife Trust bat survey and ecology course to learn more about these fascinating creatures and how to support their natural habitats in Knowle Park.
Bats are an essential part of the British ecosystem, but unfortunately, they are often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture.
There are 18 different species of bat in the UK, all of which play an essential role in our ecosystems.
Bats are nocturnal animals, and they feed on insects, such as moths and mosquitoes, which can cause significant damage to crops and gardens. A single bat can eat 3,000 insects in one night (sometimes many more!), making them invaluable to our environment.
Despite their importance, bats have declined in the UK due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Many bat species require specific roosting habitats, such as tree cavities or old buildings, which have been destroyed or altered over time.
Additionally, the use of pesticides and insecticides has reduced the availability of the insects that bats rely on for food.
There are several steps we can take to support bat conservation efforts.
One of the most important is to create and maintain bat-friendly habitats. This can involve leaving dead trees and branches in place, which provide valuable roosting sites for bats.
We can install bat boxes or create bat-friendly gardens with insect-attracting plants and water sources.
It’s also important to reduce the use of pesticides and insecticides in our gardens and communities. These chemicals can harm bats and their food sources, so opting for natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or introducing natural predators, can help create a healthier environment for bats.
Another way to support bat conservation is to report sightings or roosting sites to local conservation organisations, such as the Bat Conservation Trust. This information can help to inform conservation efforts and protect important habitats for bats.
During the Surrey Wildlife Trust bat survey and ecology course last night, Martin saw and heard several different species of bats. These included Common Pipistrelles, Noctules, Brown Long Eared bats, and Daubenton’s bats.
Common Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) are the most common species of bat in the UK and are widespread throughout the country. They are small, agile bats with a wingspan of around 20cm, and they feed on small insects such as midges and mosquitoes.
Noctules (Nyctalus noctula) are larger bats with a wingspan of around 35cm. They are often found roosting in trees and can be identified by their distinctive, slow, deep echolocation calls. Noctules feed on larger insects, such as moths and beetles, and they are most active during the early part of the night.
Brown Long Eared bats (Plecotus auritus) are another common species in the UK. They have distinctive large ears, which they use to detect prey, and a wingspan of around 25cm. Brown Long Eared bats feed on moths and other flying insects and are often found roosting in trees or buildings.
Finally, Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii) are bat species often found near water. They have a wingspan of around 25cm and feed on insects located close to the water’s surface, such as midges and mayflies. Daubenton’s bats can be identified by their erratic, zigzagging flight pattern and low-pitched echolocation calls.
Based on an earlier ecological survey in Knowle Park, we know several bat species are present, including Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Barbastelle, Noctule and a Myotis species.
We look forward to supporting their habitat in Knowle Park and carrying out regular surveys, including citizen science projects with volunteers.
Thank you to the Co-op Local Community Fund for funding our place on the bat survey and ecology course.
