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Country Park home to rare bat

Posted by Nina Rossi on Aug 18, 08 09:23 AM in

Ecologists are celebrating the discovery of an incredibly rare bat in the grounds of Bedfont Lakes Country Park.

During a survey, six species of bat were recorded including the unusual Leisler's bat, which is in danger of becoming a threatened species world wide.

The Common, Soprano Pipistrelles, Noctule, Narthuslus' Pipistrelle and Daubenton's bats were also spotted by staff using a special radio kit.

The combination of species now recorded at Bedfont Lakes makes it one of the top sites for London bats and an important area for conservation.

Hounslow's leisure chief Cllr Adrian Lee, said: "What a wonderful discovery. Bedfont Country Park is full of interesting creatures, and furry critters, and now a rare bat. We hope our rare bats will prompt people to come along and discover more about these illusive, shy, but fascinating animals.

"It is not known if the Leisler's roosts at Bedfont Lakes as it is yet to be found in the park's specially provided roost boxes, although it may well be roosting in naturally occurring cavities in trees.

Anyone interested in bats can call the Countryside Rangers at Bedfont Lakes on 01784 259 161 or contact the Bat Conservation Trust.

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