5th September 2007

Blackwater Valley Bats

Did you know that…

• Britain's most common and smallest bat, the Pipistrelle, 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!

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 21st 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 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 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 bring a torch.

For more details ring 01252 331353.

END

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