An unassuming member of your local ecosystem, the bat, is an essential part of maintaining biodiversity. Whether swooping through the night sky or roosting in ancient trees or old buildings, bats are an intriguing part of our wildlife. Bats constitute a substantial segment of the mammal population in the United Kingdom, with 18 different species. Among these, the Brown Long-Eared Bat and the Common Pipistrelle are the most widespread. Offering them a safe haven in your garden via bat boxes can promote conservation efforts and enhance the local ecosystem. This article details the specifics of the bat species that might benefit from a bat box in your garden and why it’s a good idea to install one.
Why bats are beneficial for your garden
Before we delve into the specific bat species that could take up residence in your garden, let us first understand why bats are essential. Bats play a crucial role in the ecosystem, acting as natural pest controllers. They help control the population of insects, many of which are garden pests. A single bat can eat thousands of insects in one night, helping to maintain an ecological balance and keep your garden healthy.
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Bats are also pollinators, and they assist in seed dispersal, especially in tropical and desert ecosystems. While this isn’t a predominant role for UK bat species, their overall contribution to biodiversity cannot be overstated.
The Brown Long-Eared Bat
The Brown Long-Eared Bat is one of the more common species in the UK. Named for their large, pronounced ears, these bats are widespread across the country, roosting in trees and buildings. They have a slow, fluttery flight, often likened to a butterfly.
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This species is known for the rather unusual habit of bringing their prey back to their roost to eat. Therefore, when considering installing bat boxes for Brown Long-Eared Bats, it’s essential to place them close to a plentiful source of their insect prey. These bats have a preference for moths but will eat a wide variety of insects.
The Common Pipistrelle
The Common Pipistrelle is the smallest and most common bat species in the UK. Preferring to roost in crevices in old buildings and trees, these bats are often found in urban areas and are likely to take up residence in a garden bat box.
Common Pipistrelles have a rapid, agile flight, usually emerging from their roosts just before sunset to hunt. Their diet comprises tiny insects, which they catch and consume in flight. To attract this species, install bat boxes near a water source as they prefer hunting over water.
The role of bat boxes in conservation
Bat populations in the UK have suffered drastic declines due to loss of natural roosts. Old trees and buildings where bats would traditionally roost are increasingly rare due to urban development. As a result, bat boxes have become more necessary as alternative roosting spots.
Bat boxes mimic the conditions found in these natural roosts. They provide a safe and stable environment for bats, away from predators and harsh weather. Additionally, these boxes can serve as a maternity roost, where female bats can safely raise their young.
How to install a bat box
Installing a bat box in your garden is a straightforward process. Choose a quiet spot, preferably near trees or water, and avoid areas with bright lights, as bats prefer darkness. The box should be mounted at least 4 metres above the ground with a clear flight path.
There are various designs of bat boxes available, from simple wooden boxes to more intricate designs with built-in chambers. The type of bat box you choose will depend on the species you wish to attract. However, no matter the design, make sure the box has a rough interior to allow the bats to cling onto it.
Remember, bats are protected by law in the UK, and it’s illegal to disturb them in their roosts. If you’re lucky enough to have bats take up residence in your bat box, appreciate them from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
By understanding the natural habits and preferences of different bat species, you can create a welcoming environment in your garden. Whether it’s the fluttery flight of the Brown Long-Eared Bat or the swift, agile movements of the Common Pipistrelle, having bats in your garden is a testament to its health and biodiversity. Installing a bat box not only aids in bat conservation but also contributes to a thriving, balanced local ecosystem.
The Lesser Horseshoe Bat
The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is another bat species that could benefit from a bat box in your garden. These bats are easily recognisable due to their small size and distinct horseshoe-shaped nose. They mostly have a grey-brown fur, lighter on their underside. Found in the south and west of England and Wales, the Lesser Horseshoe Bat is known to roost in old buildings and caves.
Unlike the Brown Long-Eared Bat and the Common Pipistrelle, the Lesser Horseshoe Bat prefers to hunt low to the ground, usually along hedges or woodland edges. Their diet is primarily made up of moths, spiders and beetles. If you wish to attract this species to your garden, installing a bat box near a hedgerow or shrubbery can be beneficial.
Bat boxes for Lesser Horseshoe Bats need to be positioned lower than for some other species. A height of about 3 metres from the ground is ideal. Remember to maintain a clear flight path and ensure the box offers a dark, quiet and secure space for the bat to roost.
The Daubenton’s Bat
Daubenton’s Bat, sometimes referred to as the ‘Water Bat’, is another species you might frequently spot in your garden. Known for their smooth, brown fur and pinkish faces, Daubenton’s Bats are prevalent across the UK, often spotted swooping low over calm bodies of water.
These bats have a preference for water because their primary food source is small flies, midges and caddisflies found above or near water surfaces. Therefore, if your garden has a pond or is near a river or canal, you could potentially attract this species with a bat box.
Daubenton’s Bats like to roost close to their feeding areas. A bat box installed near a water source and at a height of 2-3 metres from the ground would be ideal. Providing a bat-friendly garden with plenty of insects and a safe roosting spot can significantly aid in the conservation of this species.
Conclusion: Bat Conservation and your Garden
Bat boxes in gardens play a crucial role in bat conservation. They offer a safe haven for different bat species that have lost their natural habitats due to urban development. By providing an alternative roosting spot, you’re not only contributing to the survival of your local bat population but also aiding in maintaining a balanced, thriving ecosystem in your garden.
Understanding the habits and preferences of different bat species can enhance the effectiveness of your bat box. The Brown Long-Eared Bat, the Common Pipistrelle, the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, and the Daubenton’s Bat are just some of the bat species that could become your resident bat population with the correct placement and design of bat boxes.
Remember, the presence of bats in your garden is a seal of approval that highlights the health and diversity of your local ecosystem. So, why not take up the challenge and install a bat box in your garden? You’ll be making a crucial contribution to the UK’s wildlife conservation trust efforts and enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
By joining the ranks of those who have taken steps to protect and encourage bats in their gardens, you’re not only gaining a fascinating addition to your local wildlife but also participating in a country-wide effort to preserve one of nature’s most remarkable creatures. So, go ahead and install a bat box, become part of the UK’s bat conservation and let’s together ensure a sustainable future for our bat species.
