Bats

The AEG Bat Group was formed in August 2025. Volunteers monitor bat activity in 3 areas of the village using recording equipment. Bat species and their distribution are mapped. Village maps can be viewed here.

Our aim is to monitor bat species and activity over time and identify any changes eg early emergence, new species, increase or decrease in activity. We may be able to identify reasons for these changes eg climate change, changes in the environment.

We also contribute to the National Bat Monitoring Programme and have links with the West Yorkshire Bat Group.

If you would like to accompany the regular observers on their transect walks (monthly April – October) then please contact Sylvia Kenny using the form on this page.
 
We also have occasional general interest evening bat walks, including for Saplings - the children’s environment group.

We are keen to find bat roosts in the village where they overwinter and spend their daylight hours during their active season.

Please let Sylvia Kenny know if you think that you have found a roost by using the form on this page.

Bats do not make nests, but choose various places throughout the year to roost. They roost in houses, both new and old but some species prefer hollow trees, or caves. In buildings they often shelter behind hanging tiles and boarding or in roof spaces.

To find a bat roost, look for signs like droppings on window sills, walls, or in a roof void, especially near gable ends, bargeboards, or soffits. You can also listen for chattering sounds, or watch the building at dusk for bats emerging to fly out. Common roosts are in buildings, trees, and underground sites, and specific species prefer certain locations, like pipistrelles in houses or brown long-eared bats in roof voids.

Injured bats - in the first instance contact the National Bat Helpline 0345 1300 228. You will be referred to a West Yorkshire Bat Group trained volunteer or to the West Yorkshire Bat Hospital in Otley (Maggie Brown 01943 466101).

For more information about bats see https://www.bats.org.uk/ or view our resources here.

You might also be interested in this Wharfedale Naturalists Society presentation on Bats.