Mysteries of the night

Conservation Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa Golf Club, Stephen Thompson, explains the myths and mysteries of bats.

B ats play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems worldwide. Their unique adaptations, diverse diets and complex social structures make them one of the most fascinating mammals. As we continue to learn more about bats and work towards their conservation, we can ensure that these nighttime navigators remain integral to our natural world.

They bear no relation to birds and are flying mammals belonging to the scientific order Chiroptera. There are many myths and old tales about bats - some say they are good or bad omens, and others claim they get caught in your hair. I can debunk that myth: bats are highly skilled at navigation using echolocation and actively avoid obstacles. Of course, they are often portrayed as vampire bats in films.

To learn more about the stories behind bats click here  

There are more than 1,400 species of bats in the world, with just 18 recorded in the UK - 17 of which are breeding species. The Greater Mouse-eared Bat is no longer considered a resident, with the last remaining male still present in Sussex since the early 2000s. One female was seen in the same area in 2023, possibly a migrant from France.

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Contrary to what horror films suggest, their diet in the UK mainly consists of insects, including moths. I often spot bats while out mothing in the summer months. Globally, their diet varies and can include pollen, nectar, fruit, fish and frogs.

They also function as pollinators in some countries. In Mexico, for example, bats are the only animal that can pollinate the Blue Agave plant - the main ingredient of tequila.

For more information visit www.batcon.org/batsandagave

Nectar vs. pollen:

• Pollen is a fine powder containing male reproductive cells.
• Nectar is a sweet, sugary substance that attracts pollinating insects, which then carry pollen from plant to plant.

Why are bats important for your course?

Golf courses in the UK provide a wide range of habitats for various species and can be particularly attractive to bats. Ponds, other water features, wildflower areas, and roosting spots such as trees and buildings all contribute to a healthy bat environment. Bats are excellent indicators of biodiversity and offer a unique opportunity for conservation on-site.

How do you find bats and seek advice?

The Bat Conservation Trust should be your first port of call for advice. All bats and their roosts are protected by law. The Trust can help if you find a grounded bat or bats roosting in a building. They can also connect you with local bat groups for surveys and more information. www.bats.org.uk

Your local Wildlife Trust can also assist with surveys and offer information on local bat activity. Some nature reserves run bat walks in the summer, which you can join to learn more.

Peak bat-watching time is during summer months when bats begin to emerge from their roosts around dusk. Identifying species by sight can be tricky, but a bat detector can help. These devices convert high-frequency bat calls into audible sounds, usually a series of clicks.

For example:

• Common Pipistrelle: ~45 kHz
• Soprano Pipistrelle: ~55 kHz
• Noctule: ~25 kHz (some people can hear these without a detector).

If you’re thinking of buying a detector, attend a few bat walks first to see which models people are using.

Shop NHBS bat detectors: www.nhbs.com/1/all-bat-detectors

Case study

When I worked at John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire, I ran bat walks with the help of local experts who provided equipment. On several occasions at the Carthagena Course, we detected Serotine bats, which are typically found in the south of the UK. One night, two licensed bat recorders set up mist nets in the area where bats had been spotted. Their goal was to catch and tag one of them electronically (you must be licensed to handle bats).

We succeeded in tagging a Serotine bat, which led us to a roost - the first maternity Serotine roost recorded in Bedfordshire. A great result, and it all started by observing bats on a golf course.

If you can this summer, head out to your local park, golf course, or even your garden, grab a bat detector and start exploring. You might be surprised by what’s out there.