Rare Nathusius’ pipistrelle heard at Woodberry Wetlands’ BatFest
A soprano pipistrelle, one of the three species whose noise was recorded on Saturday evening at BatFest. (Photo: Penny Dixie) - Credit: Archant
A soprano pipistrelle was one of three species of bats whose noise was recorded on Saturday evening at a festival dedicated to the species.
A soprano pipistrelle, one of the three species whose noise was recorded on Saturday evening at BatFest. (Photo: Penny Dixie) - Credit: Archant
Daubenton’s which likes flying close to water and the much rarer Nathusius’ pipistrelle were also heard with specialist bat detecting equipment on an evening walk around the Woodberry Wetlands.
Matthew Frith, Director of Conservation at the London Wildlife Trust which organised Batfest, said: “We had a fabulous weekend, with 60 people with bat detectors in hand on Saturday hearing a sing-song of bat sonar clicks as they flitted over the reeds and alongside the New River.
“They were able to see a number of bats close to hand. For most it was the first time they saw just how small our bats are.
“The information helps us to build a picture of bat communities in and around Woodberry Wetlands.”
Biggles the bat on display at the family fun day, with Dr. Joe Nunez-Mino of the Bat Conservation Trust. (Photo: Penny Dixie) - Credit: Archant
BatFest also involved a free bat-themed family fun day on Sunday, with a talk from Joe Nunez-Mino from the Bat Conservation Trust.
Children heard stories about bats, and got the chance to dress up as bats, draw bats, and eat tasty bat cupcakes.
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Mr Frith added: “We had an absolutely wonderful afternoon. We even learned a surprising amount about bats, given how much we love them already.”
The festival coincided with the United Nations’ global awareness-raising International Bat Night.
