About
This is a medium-sized bat. They forage on a variety of insects including midges, moths, caddisflies, beetles and spiders, often taking them directly from leaves. Their flight is relatively slow and they can be found foraging over water and amongst trees emerging after sunset.
How to identify
The Natterer’s bat is a medium-sized bat with fairly long ears and a bare pink face. Its fur is light brown/grey on their back and pale on its belly. There is a row of stiff hairs on the edge of its tail membrane.
Where to find it
This bat is scarce in the UK but maybe found throughout the country. It roosts in trees, old buildings with timber beams and sometimes underground and hibernates underground through the winter in caves, mines and cellars.
Habitats
When to find it
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
How can people help
It is affected by loss of woodland habitat, the loss of roost sites through barn conversions and pesticide use. The Wildlife Trusts are working hard to restore our native woodlands and you can help our bats in your own garden, too, by putting up a bat box. Pick a tree that gets some sun during the day, but is near to a hedge or other trees. All UK bats and their roosts are protected by law, which means it is illegal to harm or disturb them.