Not only has it been a great time for views of the Kingfisher, with visitors getting sightings of it throughout the week, but we’ve also had a few more unusual sightings on the reserve walks, including Little Stint, Ruff, and even a juvenile Marsh Harrier!

However, our main focus this week is on bats, ahead of our event on Friday the 28^th. We’ll be giving a talk providing a great introduction to the bats present in the UK, and hopefully dispelling a few myths that you might have heard, before heading out on a guided walk with some bat detectors!

Bats are a unique and fascinating species, as the world’s only truly flying mammals. The tropical species of bats also play a large role in worldwide pollination, with over 500 species of flora, including bananas, cocoa plants and peaches, relying on them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahead of the event we’ve been identifying what species of bats are near the basin – we followed the same route as the guided walk, and so far we’ve detected Soprano Pipistrelles and a lot of activity from Daubenton’s bats, so we’re hopeful there’ll be plenty around to hear on Friday! Both of these are pictured above.

To book a place call us on 01674 676 336, and remember to bring sturdy footwear and a torch if possible.

Ben Newcombe – Visitor Centre Volunteer