1st  September 2008

Bats in the Blackwater Valley

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 Bat Walk at Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows
on Friday 19th  September led by Steve Bailey of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust.

Britain is home to 16 bat species, three of which you may encounter on the walk:   Pipistrelles – the most common and smallest of all British bats – Water Bats
(also known as Daubenton’s), as well as the
larger and more elusive Noctule.

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 for 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 dress appropriately – it could be muddy underfoot – and bring a torch.

For more details ring Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353.

Did you know that…

• The Pipistrelle, the most common and smallest of all British bats, weighs about five 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 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!

END

For further information contact:Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer
on 01252 331353. Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.