Simon West
About
A medium-sized bat, the Brown Long-eared Bat certainly lives up to its name! All British Bats are nocturnal, feeding on midges, moths and other flying insects which they find in the dark by using echolocation. Long-eared Bats roost in holes in trees and loft voids in old buildings, and feed in large gardens, along hedgerows, in parks and in woodland. They hibernate over winter, between November and April.
How to identify
The Brown Long-eared Bat has greyish-brown fur and characteristically big ears. It shows a relatively slow, fluttery flight.
Where to find it
Widespread throughout the country, but absent from some Scottish Islands.
Habitats
When to find it
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
How can people help
Brown Long-eared and other bats are declining as roost sites are lost to development and pesticide-use reduces their insect-prey. But you can help our bats in your own garden; why not try putting up a bat box? Pick a tree that gets some sun during the day, but is near to a hedge or other trees. All UK bats and their roosts are protected by law, which means it is illegal to harm or disturb them.