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Looking out for bats

A 3 year landscape-scale bat conservation initiative centred on the Beer Quarry Caves at Beer in the East Devon AONB.

Looking out for bats will;

• Identify where the rare Greater Horseshoe bats live and feed;
• Work with landowners to enhance bat habitats and maternity roosts;
• Encourage people to learn more about the bats in their neighbourhood.

Why Greater Horseshoe bats?

• Greater Horseshoes are one of the rarest of the 17 species of British bats.
• There are an estimated 4000 to 6000, found only in the South West and South Wales.
• Greater Horseshoes can live for upto 30 years.
• Greater Horseshoes can be easily recognised in their roosts as they are about the size of a pear as they hang freely upside down with their wings wrapped around them.

Looking out for bats - on camera!

Beer Quarry caves is internationally important as a bat hibernaculum. This amazing film shows how 'Looking out for bats' is arranging special behind the scenes access for local school groups....and now you can see sleeping bats on your computer without disturbing them !

Want to know more about bats?

Follow the year in the life of a bat.....

What has 'Looking out for bats' achieved so far?

For information on the second (2009) years batty activities see our current newsletter "Echoes"

Other highlights include

• A bat trapping/identification event at the Offwell Woodland Centre (Check out this youtube footage).
• Or see news releases

For information on the first years batty activities see our May - December 08 newsletter "Echoes"

What can you do?

• Become a bat detective and help us find Greater Horseshoes in the countryside.
• Come along to one of our events whether its a bat talk, walk or even off-road cycle ride!
• Visit the Bat Conservation Trust to find out more about bats
• Got a bat in your building...call the Bat Helpline 0845 1300 228

 

If you would like to get involved in this initiative or think you have bats on your farm then contact Pete Youngman.

'Looking out for bats' is supported by the SITA Trust, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, the Sid Vale Association and Axe Vale and District Conservation Society.