Bechstein's bat

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.

Its core range appears to be centred on southern England from Gloucestershire to Sussex, but it has been found breeding as far north as Herefordshire. There are also recent records from Kent in the east to Pembrokeshire in the west.

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:

• Surveying for the species using an acoustic lure
• giving advice to woodland managers on conservation measures to protect and promote these animals