Bechstein's bat

Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii) is a tree-dwelling species associated with old growth woodland.

The fossil record suggests that it was once the most common bat species in Britain, but forest clearance and changes in climatic conditions have resulted in major population declines across its range. It is now one of the rarest British bats. The current estimated population for England is just 1,500.

Current records suggest that Bechstein's bat is found principally in central southern England from Gloucestershire to Sussex but has been recorded as far north as Shropshire. There are currently only a handful of maternity colonies known for this species, all of which have been discovered since 1998.

A study by the VWT has shown that this species feeds in closed canopy broadleaf woodland with a well-developed understorey often close to water bodies. During the summer females rarely travel more than a kilometre from their day roosts.

The VWT is working to conserve the Bechstein's bat by:

establishing a bat box scheme in areas where the species occurs or might possibly occur
giving advice to woodland managers on conservation measures to protect and promote these animals
managing a reserve for one of the four known maternity colonies.

For more information please go to our publications page.