Special talk and walk proves popular
Lou Payne, from Hampshire County Council, provided a fascinating evening in August with a very informative talk followed by a walk to spot and identify local bats flying near the village pond.
Lou explained that bats are the only mammals that can fly and that there are over 1,000 different species in the world. Whilst some sleep by hanging upside down, others wedge themselves into crevices in buildings or trees.
They are not blind but use echolocation (navigation by sound) as well as their eyes to help them hunt at night.
All bats have big appetites because flying uses a lot of energy. A common pipistrelle can eat over 3,000 insects in a single night. But they do hibernate every winter.
After the talk the group of villagers borrowed special bat detectors to be able to hear the sounds of bats flying around the village pond after dusk.
The two main species that were identified during the evening were Common pipistrelles and Daubenton’s bats. The sounds made by these bats are quite different from each other, helping with identification.
The body of a common pipistrelle, the smallest of all British bats, is about 4cms long (with a wingspan about 20-23cm / 8-9 inches) whilst the Daubenton’s were noticeably larger (about 5-5.5cm long) with a wingspan of 24-27cm.
The evening was enjoyed by all – providing a special opportunity to see and hear bats in their natural environment.
Since this event, Hampshire County Council has produced useful guidance to help spot bats in the county: click here.
