A group of 15 members gathered in Anglers car park to hear John Gardner talk about bats.
John had brough some rescued bats to show us. Two tiny pipistrelles and a Leisel's bat had been rescued and would soon be ready for release.
Although John was a bit concerned that the wind would mean a shortage of bat activity to be seen, the fact that swifts were overhead was a hopeful sign.
As we set off to the woods, the wind dropped and in no time at all soprano pipistrelles were picked up on the bat detectors and we were able to see them flying across the field. Next came the noctules, flying along the treeline.
Although it was approacing 10 o'clock there was plenty of evening light for us to see our way and we had the unexpected pleasure of watching the (almost full) moon rising behind the trees.
There were plenty of bats around all through our woodland walk, and when returning along the lane we saw and hear Daubenton's bats heading towards the lake. Altogether a very enjoyable and educational evening.
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