Misunderstood and often demonised, bats are vital to our fragile ecosystem, hence their status as a protected species. While they may not be the cuddliest of mammals, Bat Appreciation Day on April 17th is all about highlighting what we should be doing to help bolster the population numbers of these amazing creatures.
What bats do for us
Ecologists study bat population numbers and movements as indicators of biodiversity – the more bats there are, the healthier the local insect community is. Bats feed on a wide range of insects, from moths to mayflies, and are very efficient pest controllers. Their diet of insects brings them into contact with seeds and pollen, which they then disperse, thus acting as pollinators, re-foresters and all-round good guys.
What we can do for bats
Planting that encourages insect life will, in turn, attract bats. Flowers that release their fragrance after dark are particularly helpful – night-scented stocks, honeysuckle and evening primrose are perfect choices and are lovely to plant close to your rattan garden furniture. Lighter flowers in whites and yellows are also more visible to bats at night.
Water attracts a wider variety of insects, so a garden pond is a real draw for all species of bat, from the most common tiny pipistrelle to the brown long-eared bat.
Bats roost in dark places like hollow trees, under tiles or in the apex of a garage or shed roof. If you would rather they didn’t choose your house as a roost, put up a bat box in a tall tree.
Undoubtedly a friend and not a foe, bats are an asset to our gardens, and with numbers in decline, they need our help.
