Bats in Plymouth

Many species of bat are known to occur in the Plymouth area. These include the common pipistrelle and brown long-eared, the less common whiskered, Natterer’s, Daubenton’s, noctule and serotine, and even the rare barbastelle.

Depending on the species, bats rear young in trees, caves and quiet or unused buildings. In the Saltram Estate the main house and other buildings provide homes for several bat species. In the summer months at dusk, look out for brown long-eared, greater horseshoe and lesser horseshoe bats.

The best guaranteed viewing of bats in Plymouth is of the lesser horseshoe colony at Mount Edgcumbe. A camera has been set up to film the maternity roost in the Crib building, and approximately 60 bats can be viewed from the Barrow Park Centre which is open 10am to 4pm seven days a week. In July 2010 the birth of bat pups was filmed. The best viewing time is June to September, but a few bats do roost over the winter. Evening bat walks are among the events organised at Mount Edgcombe.

For more information contact the Deputy Manager, Nick Butcher on 01752 822236 or email mt.edgcumbe@plymouth.gov.uk

What would you like to watch?
Bats at Mount Edgcumbe (duration - 6.18, You Tube video)