Do bats make you think of old films, dark skies, and spooky stories? The truth is far gentler. Most bats are shy, expert insect hunters that prefer to keep their distance. They flit through dusk like tidy cleaners, picking off midges, moths, and beetles that trouble gardens and crops.
Across the UK and beyond, many bat species face steep declines. Habitat loss, climate shifts, and disease press hard on these quiet night workers. Some are now classed as endangered. That story can feel heavy, yet there is good news. Small choices at home, plus smart support for local groups, add up to real help.
Bats are our only flying mammals, and one of England’s three hibernating species. These fascinating flying mammals play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment. By understanding their importance and busting myths, we can all do our bit to help these misunderstood animals.
It’s illegal to disturb bats unless you’re qualified. If concerned about injured bats, disturbance or crimes, call Bat Conservation Trust, which runs a free helpline from people who are batty about bats!
Bats are the world’s only flying mammals. They are not blind (but don’t see well and use echolocation to get around, hanging upside down simply as it’s easy to fly off from predators). Due to lack of natural habitats (tree hollows, hedgerows), bats are now endangered.
No bats in England are dangerous (the only people at slight risk would be rescue volunteers who know what they are doing, and wear protective gloves).
Bats in England don’t suck your blood or land in your hair, and the last case of rabies from a bat was in 1922 (the last case of animal rabies was in 1969/1970 when two dogs sadly died soon after their quarantine period).
Bats come in all shapes and sizes. Across the globe, there are over 1,400 species! These critters can be found in various habitats, from lush rainforests to bustling cities.
Some are pint-sized like the tiny bumblebee bat, while others, like the flying fox, boast impressive wingspans.
Whether they’re roosting in caves or hanging out in trees, bats have adapted marvellously to their environments.
Bats are nature’s pest controllers. A single bat can eat thousands of insects in one night! That’s a lot of mosquitoes saved from biting us. They also play a vital role in pollination, contributing to the growth of fruits like bananas, mangoes, and guavas.
Not to forget, they help in dispersing seeds, ensuring the growth of new plants. Imagine a world with fewer mozzies, more fruit, and lush forests—thanks, bats!
If you see a bat acting oddly or on the ground, it’s best to steer clear and report it to local wildlife authorities. A little caution goes a long way.
There’s a common belief that bats spread diseases left, right, and centre, which isn’t entirely accurate. While they can host viruses, the spread to humans is rare.
Bats actually help control diseases by eating insects that can transmit illnesses. So, they’re more like allies in health rather than foes.
How You Can Help Bats
- Cats are natural predators, so don’t encourage bats to gardens if you live with feline friends (keep them indoors at dusk when bats emerge (and also dawn, when bird are feeding, avoiding ‘climbable’ feeding posts).
- Take particular care from mid-June to end August (when bats have babies). If cats bite a bat, call the helpline above (which has info for vets) as cat saliva can kill a bat.
- Leave your garden ‘messy’ to provide long grass and natural habitats (a pipistrelle bat eats 3000 insects in one night).
- Leave mature trees (for hollows) and check compost heaps before turning.
- Learn how to build a wildlife-friendly pond (with sloping sides) as bats also eat water insects.
- Securely bin all garden chemicals and grow organic food and flowers. Learn more on how to make gardens safe for pets.
- Plant organic night-scented flowers (bats love Michaelmas daisies).
- Bats also like willow and elder (toxic near pets) as they feed on leaf-eating insects.
Daubenton Water Bats
If you’re an angler, look out for Daubenton’s bats (which live on rivers) as they fly low (like a hovercraft) to take insects and sometimes get caught on fishing lures.
If you accidentally catch one (and it can’t free itself in a few minutes), cut the line (close to the fly) but don’t remove the hook yourself. Wrap with a cloth (or wear gloves) and call Bat Helpline (above) for advice.
Info on Bat Boxes
Bat Conservation Trust has expert info on bat boxes including the best brands (some can integrate into walls) and how to care for them (avoid paint and pesticides).
How Town Planners Can Help Bats
- Light pollution affects bats, so turn off lights when not in use and use blinds/task lights (this also helps stop birds flying into windows).
- You can Report broken street lights to councils (who should replace with wildlife-friendly lamps (blue lights kill insects, which bats live on).
- Town planners can follow advice for barn owls to force low-flying bats to fly higher, to avoid getting hit by traffic. Ask Bat Conservation Trust for advice, as bat boxes may need to be sited differently.
- Barn Owl Trust says to plant high hedges of closely-spaced trees next to road surfaces on both sides (or plant trees 3 to 4 metres back from road edge).
- See photos of roads with planted screens. Don’t place nest boxes within 1km of major roads, and have continuous screens on both sides.
Bats in Churches?
Bats in Churches is a website set up to help congregations help roosting bats, know how to safely clean the areas, and how to approach building projects. The site is also useful also to architects and town planners.
This guide sets out clear, safe steps for anyone who wants to be part of the solution. You will learn why bats matter, how to see them with fresh eyes, and what to do in your garden and community. It is simple, practical, and kind. Ready to swap fear for care?
Why Bats Matter!
Bats are tireless insect controllers. One bat can eat thousands of insects in a single night, which helps farmers protect crops and supports cleaner rivers and ponds. Fewer pests means less need for pesticides, a win for soil, pollinators, and our food. In many forests, bats also spread seeds, helping woodlands renew after storms or felling.
In the British countryside, bats weave through hedgerows and tree lines like night-time couriers. Pipistrelles patrol above ponds. Daubenton’s bats skim the water surface with neat precision. These well-timed flights keep insect numbers in balance, which benefits gardens, fields, and wildlife.
Some species are struggling. The lesser horseshoe bat, once more common in parts of Wales and the West Country, faces pressure from urban sprawl and the loss of old roosts. White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has devastated populations in North America, remains a concern for bat health and monitoring in the UK. Bats’ slow breeding rates make recovery even harder.
Fear often comes from stories, not facts. Bats rarely interact with people, and they do not want to be near us. While some bats can carry diseases, the risk to the public is low if you do not handle them. Respect their space and there is little to worry about. The safer view is simple: treat bats as you would any wild bird, with care and distance.
A little empathy goes a long way. Picture bats as night gardeners that work quietly while we sleep. When we look past myths, it is easier to choose habits that help them thrive.
Bats’ Secret Superpowers in Nature
- Natural pest control: Picture a tiny night patrol, hoovering up midges like a vacuum on wings. That is a bat, saving farmers money and reducing the need for sprays.
- Pollination and seed spread: While tropical bats pollinate bananas and agaves, the principle holds here too. Bats help move seeds and spores, which keeps woods and scrub healthy.
- Food web support: Bats feed owls, foxes, and other predators in turn. They link dusk insects to larger wildlife, like a strong stitch holding the web together.
The Real Threats Facing UK Bats
- Loss of roosts: Renovations, loft clearances, and new builds can remove crucial sites. Old barns, roof spaces, bridges, and mature trees are prime roosts. When they go, bats lose nurseries and winter homes.
- Climate change: Shifts in temperature and rainfall alter insect numbers and timing. A wet spring or late frost can leave nursing females short of food.
- Disease and disturbance: Disease surveillance remains important for early warning. Frequent disturbance at roosts, bright lighting, and noisy works can push bats away from long-used sites.
Support Bats in Your Backyard
You do not need a large garden to help. A few tweaks can turn a small space into a safe stopover for bats.
- Plant night-scented flowers to attract moths and midges. Evening primrose, jasmine, honeysuckle, night-scented stocks, and nicotiana are strong picks. Some are toxic to pets.
- Keep a pesticide-free garden. Healthy insect life feeds bats and boosts soil life.
- Create dark corridors. Reduce outdoor lighting, or use warm, low-level lights with shields. Keep them off after 11 pm when possible.
- Add water. A small pond or shallow water dish provides drinking spots. Keep the surface clear for safe skimming. And add flat stones as landing points.
- Leave some wild corners. A strip of long grass, a log pile, or dense shrubs will host insect larvae and shelter.
- Time garden works with care. June to August is peak maternity season. Avoid major pruning or roof work near known roosts then.
- Watch, do not handle. If you find a grounded bat, call a licenced rescuer. Do not touch with bare hands.
Create a Bat-Friendly Garden Haven
Think of your space as a safe runway. Bats prefer clear flight paths along hedges and fences.
- Hedges and trees: Keep mixed hedges such as hawthorn, blackthorn, and hazel. They guide bats and support insects.
- Flower mix: Blend early and late blooms for season-long food. Include evening primrose, verbena, marjoram, lavender, and ivy for autumn nectar.
- Water feature: A pond with a sunny edge and gentle slope is ideal. Avoid fountains and nets. Keep part of the surface open.
- Lighting: Position lights low and point them down to avoid light pollution. Fit motion sensors with short timers. Choose warm white bulbs.
- Quiet zones: Leave a calm corner, free from speakers and frequent footfall. Bats settle better where noise is low.
If you suspect bats use your home, seek advice before any building works. Licenced ecologists can guide safe timing and methods.
