Bats (order Chiroptera / karptr /) are winged mammals, the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. Bats are more agile in flight than most birds, flying with their long spread-out digits.

We are lucky enough to have 18 species of bat in the UK, 17 of which are known to be breeding here - that's almost a quarter of our mammal species. Every summer, thousands of people venture out to.

Learn about bats in the UK, their protection and what to do if you find one in trouble.

Understanding the Context

Our comprehensive guide to bats in Britain explores how to identify bats, distribution in the UK, diet, behaviour and a host of other amazing bat facts

All bats have a generally similar appearance in flight, dominated by the expanse of the wings, but they vary considerably in size. The order is usually divided into two well-defined.

Find out when and where to spot them and use our guide to learn more about different types of bat, from rare species such as the barbastelle to the tiny common pipistrelle bat. The best time to spot bats is.

Find bats at a Wildlife Trusts nature reserve near you. Catch a glimpse or hear these fascinating, misunderstood creatures as they go about their nightly hunt for flying insects, using their incredible.

Key Insights

Learn where bats live in the UK, what species you could see, and when and how to look for them. Discover five ways you can help bats in your garden and local area.

Learn bat facts, biology, and why bats matter. Bats 101 covers bat species, ecosystems, myths, and the vital role bats play in biodiversity and conservation.

There are two main types of bats: microbats and megabats. Most bats are microbats, which eat insects like moths, that come out at night. Vampire bats are the only species of microbats that feed...