A small party of bat enthusiasts led by Dave Barker braved the wind and rain yesterday evening in an effort to see and hear some bats, animals for which there had been no earlier formal records from Brede High Woods.
Despite the cold, wet and lateness of the season, six species were on the wing foraging for insects. These included soprano pipistrelles, common pipistrelles, brown long-eareds, a noctule, a Myotis species and possibly a whiskered bat.
This is very encouraging news that further emphasises the importance of Brede High Woods for wildlife. In addition to being of interest in their own right, bats need a healthy supply of insects and places to roost and hibernate. They also have many insect associates living in their roosts (but not necessarily anywhere else).
With the success of this first bat walk, there are likely to be others, hopefully in better weather, so watch the events lists for the woods if you are interested in leaning more about these fascinating little mammals.
