WILDLIFE lovers across Warwickshire are being invited to go batty about bats.
International Bat Night – a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of bats and their conservation – is taking place this year on August 30 and 31 and Warwickshire residents have several opportunities to find out more about these nocturnal superheroes.
Autumn Batts Alive is taking place at Ryton Pools Country Park on Friday August 30 at 8.30pm
The event offers an opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures and see them in their natural habitat as they emerge at dusk to hunt.
Visit Ryton Pools Country Park website for more details.
A Mammal Group Event is taking place at Two Boats Inn in Stockton on Friday August 29 and a
Bat Walk sets off from Priory Park in Warwick on Saturday August 30.
Visit warksbats.co.uk/aboutus/diary.aspx to find out more.
Warwickshire County Council’s culture spokesperson Coun Darren Cheshire emphasized the significance of these often-misunderstood animals.
He said: “Bats are a vital part of our local ecosystem, acting as natural pest controllers and serving as key indicators of the health of our environment.
“Warwickshire is home to an incredible 15 of the UK’s 18 bat species, and it’s a testament to the diverse habitats we have across the county, from our ancient woodlands to our rivers and historic buildings.
“International Bat Night is a fantastic opportunity for us to shine a light on these amazing flying mammals and the crucial role they play. We encourage everyone to join us at Ryton Pools to learn more and appreciate these wonderful neighbours.”
Bats are the only true flying mammals and play a critical role in controlling insect populations. In the UK, all bats are small, insect-eating species that use echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark. Despite their ecological importance, bat populations have faced significant declines due to habitat loss and other threats. All UK bats are now strictly protected by law, and conservation efforts are helping them to slowly recover.
