Gardening for Bat Conservation. Tweet
Helping the creatures that go bump in the night.
We’ve all heard of bats, they live in dark caves and come out at night in their hundreds. Flying silently through the darkness in search of prey to drink their blood.
But do they, are these little creatures as bad as we think and should we really be scared of them?
Noel Jackson from Durham Bat Group tell us otherwise: “Bats are fascinating creatures, they’re clean and don’t pose any risk to us or our homes. In fact they’re a great form of natural pest control.”
Britain's Bats
The UK has 17 species of bat, which range in size from around 3cm to 8cm. Bats aren’t blind, but they do use a system called echolocation to catch their prey.
They shout a series of high pitched sounds and listen for the echoes. This allows them to safely fly and feed in the dark without bumping into things.
They all eat insects such as midgies and moths, which they catch and eat mid-flight. A common pipistrelle bat can eat as many 3,000 small insects per night.
Unlike rodents, bats won’t be scurrying around in your loft gnawing on your cables and wires like mice and rats can.
Declining British Bat Population
Britain’s bat population has declined sharply over the last century and they are now protected by law, making it illegal to capture, harm or trade in bats and disturb their roosting places.
Despite being protected by law our bat population is still under threat from a variety of sources.
Habitat loss is a key factor in their demise, woodlands, hedges and ponds which are key roosting and feeding places for bats are becoming more fragmented.
Modern farming and the use of pesticides have a big impact on insects the bats feed on. There are now a lot less flying insects available as a food source.
Building work can also be a threat. Many bats roost in buildings which makes them susceptible to the dangers of construction, alterations and demolition.
Even a simple bit of repair work to a roof containing a roost can seal in bats, starving them to death. If you suspect bats may be affected by work you have planned remember it’s illegal to disturb them.
Mr Jackson advises: “When doing repairs about the house, remove external features carefully and check that there are no bats roosting underneath.
“Lots of bats were made homeless in the winter of 2010 as the heavy snow damaged guttering and weather boards which had to be replaced.
“Always have cavity wall insulation put in summer. During the winter the hollow may be used by hibernating bats which would be killed.”
The Bat Conservation Trust Can Help
If you find a bat or a roosting group during building work you can call The Bat Conservation Trust for expert help and advice on 0845 1300 228.
Remember it’s illegal to harm bats and disturb their roosting sites, so please do call the number above and stay within the law.
What You Can do to Help Preserve Bats
We can help and encourage bats while enjoying a more interesting garden by following a few simple steps.
Mr Jackson says: “Preserve old trees as they are important feeding and roosting sites.
“Have water. Midges like water and bats like midges.
“Maintain wildlife links. A row of gardens behaves like a hedge and if it is linked to a good bat habitat in the countryside it can be valuable to bats.
“It only takes one neighbour to cover their garden with concrete and the chain is broken for everyone.”
To increase the food available to bats you should go pesticide free and try to pick native plants and trees if possible.
Creating Bat Habitats in your Garden
Create different habitats by building a small pond, vegetable garden and a hedgerow, try recycling vegetable waste on a compost heap in a shaded area, this will encourage insects and is also environmentally friendly.
Certain plants are good for attracting insects and therefore beneficial to bats.
Planting Guide for Bats
Mr Jackson says: “Plant night-scented plants like stocks and evening primrose. These attract night-flying insects and are excellent for bats.”
For border plants you can try St Johns wort, poppies and English bluebell.
Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, marjoram and lavender all give off a beautiful scent which helps attract insects and other wildlife.
Find out more information to help Bats
If you’d like to know more about bats and their conservation why not join a local bat group and get involved in monitoring and developing their habitat and well being.
Most groups hold regular meetings and field trips to study and promote bat conservation and safety, as well as rescuing, caring for and releasing orphaned or injured bats back into the wild.
They also liaise with local planning authorities to offer help and advice and to ensure bats are considered during any development work.
You can find more information and your nearest group by visiting The Bat Conservation Trust’s web site at ‘http://www.bats.org.uk’ or calling their Bat Groups Officer Laura Dunn on 020 7501 3633.