Bats
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BATS AT ST ANDREWS CHURCH
INTRODUCTION
Bats are amazing! They are the only true flying mammal in the world.
They play a very important role in the ecosystem, but bat numbers have rapidly declined over the last century, due to threats such as habitat loss, artificial light pollution, the drop in insect numbers with the over-use of pesticides, and building development. However, with a little help, some species are now showing signs of recovery.
In a landscape of habitat loss, churches have become important roosting sites for bats.
Bats have been making their homes in churches for hundreds of years, and it is estimated that between 60-90% of churches now have protected bat roosts.
Bats will roost in the smallest of void or crevice in the old stonework of the church buildings. They find their way inside the church where they roost amongst the rafters and in the roof spaces, evidence of which can often be seen on the floors beneath. They will frequently relocate to new roosting sites to suit their changing needs throughout the year.
Brown Long-eared Bat
Greater Horseshoe Bat
IMPORTANT HABITAT
The bell tower at St Andrews Church overlooks the old graveyard, which extends to a lesser extent all around the church, with a newer cemetery just across the road. Both have a large variety of trees such as ancient yews, shrubs and native flowering plants feeding the insects, as well as open spaces, all providing good homes, shelter, food and safe flightpaths for bats.
The church grounds are sympathetically managed with wildlife very much in mind. As well as the bird and hedgehog boxes, a number of bat boxes have been thoughtfully placed around the churchyard.
St Andrews Church is situated at the top of a hill. To one side there are old stone buildings and open fields, and behind the church and beyond a small woodland, there is a railway line and asteep descent down to the River Tamar, all delivering rich habitat and tree-lined corridors, ideal for a variety of wildlife including both the resident and the visiting bats.
ST ANDEWS’ BATS
There are known to be 17 species of breeding bats in the UK, making up almost a quarter of our mammal species! Many of these bat species can be found in and around St Andrews Church.
Common and soprano pipistrelles are the UK’s most common bats, and these small bats are amongst the first to emerge around dusk. A few species of Myotis bats, the medium sized brown long-eared and the larger noctule and serotine bats can be found here. Very rarely the scarce barbastelle may be detected, their preferred habitat being a wooded river valley.
Just a short hop across the River Tamar are the remains of the former Devon Great Consol mines; an area of derelict mine buildings, shafts and the spoil heaps from historic copper and arsenic mining. This is an important site for the greater horseshoe bat. Although rare in the UK, Devon is a stronghold for the species and the old mine supports a key maternity roost. These once cave-dwelling bats are now choosing to roost in churches and old barns. They frequently cross the river and visit the churchyard of Andrew’s Church.
Serotine Bat
Statistics
Length: 3.5 - 4.5cm
Wingspan: 20 - 23cm
Weight: 3 - 8g
Average lifespan: 4 - 5 years
How to identify
The common pipistrelle has dark, golden-brown fur, a slightly paler underside and a dark mask around the face. Its flight is rapid with lots of twists and turns.
Who are you calling Bats?
There are various species of bat to be found in the area.
On the left is the Common Pipistrelle. The common pipistrelle is so small, it can fit into a matchbox! Despite its size, it can easily eat 3,000 insects a night: look for it flitting around the garden or a lit lamp post as it chases its prey.
About
The common pipistrelle is our smallest and most common bat. All UK bats are nocturnal – preferring to come out only at night. They feed on midges, moths and other flying insects that they find in the dark by using echolocation. Common pipistrelles don’t have to look far to find food, whether they live in the countryside or the city!
They roost in tree holes, bat boxes and even the roof spaces of houses, often in small colonies. During the summer, females form maternity colonies and have just a single pup each. Look out for common pipistrelles darting about as they hunt for insects in gardens or around streetlights just after sunset. They hibernate over winter, usually between November and April, but may come out to feed on warm days.
Other bats seen (heard) in the churchyard are: Brown Long-eared Bat; Serotine Bat; Noctule Bat; Greater Horseshoe Bat
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