Bats are one of the most diverse and widespread families of mammals in the world, with over 1,400 different species identified so far. In the UK, we have eighteen resident species and all eighteen have been recorded in Sussex, the only British county able to make such a claim. Each species has its own unique foraging style, habitat preferences and diet, but their secretive nocturnal habits can make them hard to identify. The species we are most likely to spot over our gardens and green spaces around sunset are the Pipistrelles, notably the Common and Soprano Pipistrelle. These are our smallest species, weighing the same as a twenty pence piece, and they will zip around the sky very quickly and acrobatically in pursuit of small midges and mosquitoes. If you spot a large, leisurely bat passing through around tree top height it is likely to be a Serotine. Nationally uncommon, they are fairly widespread in Sussex, about the size of a Starling they are often seen hunting the large Chafer Beetles which are on the wing in the summer months. If you wait for darkness to fall and spot a slow flying bat with conspicuous rabbit-like ears, it is most likely to be a Brown Long-Eared. This moth loving species will often take up residence in old barns and farm buildings, not that most people would realise as they hide away until dark. They will however sometimes leave their calling cards of moth wings piled on the floor, under the feeding perch where they’ve been gobbling them up.

There is lots we can do to help encourage bats in our gardens. Planting night scented flowers, like Honeysuckle, Jasmine and Evening Primrose, will attract in nectar feeding insects. Adding a water source, such as a pond or a bog garden, will also increase the insect abundance. Reducing artificial lighting is key, as bats prefer to forage in areas which aren’t illuminated. Keeping our cats indoors will help protect the bats, particularly in the Summer when the uncoordinated baby bats are making their maiden flights. You could also put up a bat box or two, to provide an artificial roosting site. Bats are often overlooked as indicators of the health and overall condition of our natural landscape. But they can give us a great idea of how well things are looking for our wildlife. Because of their needs, particularly the need for connectivity of hedgerows, treelines and waterways, insect rich foraging areas and safe roosting sites, they will be an important gauge of how effective our Weald to Waves corridor is becoming. If you want to get involved with recording bats there are lots of volunteering opportunities available with the Bat Conservation Trust and Sussex Bat Group.

Ryan Greaves, Wild Futures Manager with the Knepp Wildland Foundation