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Big Bat Walk - 17/8/2012

7.50pm - 10.20pm

London Wetland Centre is one of the best places to watch bats in London as we have about seven species that hunt on site.

Our bat walks give you the chance not only to see these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics but you can learn more about them with a talk by one of our bat experts in our theatre before heading out to the reserve. We supply bat detectors to help you identify the species that are swooping around and to listen to them ‘chattering’ as they hunt for food.

The walk also includes an opportunity to hear about the Berkeley Bat House which was inspired by Turner prize winning artist, Jeremy Deller.

Times vary with sunset. Adults and children over 8 years. Children should be accompanied by an adult. £10, price includes admission into the centre. Doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start time stated on the ticket and will be shut 15 minutes after the start time. To book your place, call 020 8409 4400.

Meet the bats

Pipistrelles are the most common British bats. Three species can be seen at the centre: common, soprano, and Nathusius. Nathusius’ pipistrelle is nationally rare but is recorded annually at LWC; the soprano pipistrelle is nationally widespread and common, yet is declining significantly and is now a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species.

The soprano pipistrelle prefers wetland habitats and is the species most frequently seen on site; a recent survey suggests that over a thousand bats can forage on our reserve over the summer months.

Noctule are the largest species both nationally and at the centre. They typically hunt higher off the ground than the other species. This species too has been found to be declining significantly across the UK and is also a UK BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) priority species.

Serotine are also large, high-flying bats. Their numbers have declined recently - the most likely cause for this is loss of suitable habitat such as grazing marshes for feeding.

Daubenton's bat (also known as the ‘water bat’) are known for hunting over water where they catch insects above or on the surface.

Leisler's bat (another nationally rare bat, formerly known as the hairy-armed bat) are similar to noctule in size and feeding behaviour, but with longer fur.

Brown long-eared bat is thought to be a less frequent visitor to the centre, and has only been recorded on the boundary of the reserve. This distinctive species has ears nearly as long as its body.

Find out more

To find out more about bats and how you can help these amazing but vulnerable animals contact the Bat Conservation Trust at www.bats.org.uk, or via the free National Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228. You can also get in touch with your local bat group: in London this is the London Bat Group at www.londonbats.org.uk  .

Image: Pipistrelle - Bat Conservation Trust / RJ Brookes