8th September 2006

Bats of the Blackwater Valley

Did you know that…

Britain's most common and smallest bat, the Pipistrelle, weighs about 5 grams - less than a £1 coin. It is only 4cm long and with its wings folded fits into a matchbox.
On a warm summer night, a tiny Pipistrelle bat may eat as many as 3,000 midges.
Bats make up a third of the UK’s mammal population and are our only flying mammal.
Bats have excellent eyesight, but only see in black and white.
When they’re flying bats produce a high-pitched squeak and listen to the echoes to produce a ‘sound picture’ of their surroundings.
Bats can live for up to 30 years.
Bats like to roost somewhere that is quiet, free from draughts and cobwebs!

There’s no doubt about it, bats are fascinating and if you would like to learn more about the bats found in the Blackwater Valley and to see some of them join our a Bat Walk at Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows on Friday 22nd September led by Steve Bailey of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.

Britain is home to 16 bat species, three of which you may encounter on the walk: Pipistrelles and Water Bats (also known as Daubenton’s) both with a wingspan between 19-25cm, as well as the larger and more elusive Noctule, with a wingspan of 33-45cm.

During the walk there will be an opportunity to listen to the bats’ high frequency ultrasonic calls – known as echolocation – using a bat detector. Bats emit high-pitched squeaks as they fly, using the pattern of the returning echoes to locate their prey: the moths, flies and midges they feed on. Each bat species uses a slightly different frequency, which a detector will transform into sounds audible to humans.

Anyone wishing to join the walk should be at Sandhurst Memorial Car Park, Yorktown Road, Sandhurst for a 7pm start. Depending on the weather and the bats the walk will last about 1½- 2 hours. Families are welcome but please bring a torch.

This walk is part of the ‘Discover the Blackwater Valley 2006 Programme’ co-ordinated by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and designed to encourage residents within the Blackwater Valley area to learn more about the countryside on their doorstep. For more details ring 01252 331353.

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.

Notes

The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.
Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.