Halloween is the perfect time to learn about bats. They’re often linked with this time of year because they’re active at night and have a distinctive appearance. This association goes back to the Celtic festival Samhain, when bats were often seen flying near bonfires, feeding on the insects attracted to the flames.
But bats are more than just a spooky symbol; they’re vital for the environment.
In the UK, bats help keep insect numbers down by eating thousands of tiny bugs like midges and other pests that can harm crops. Without them, farmers would need more pesticides, harming the environment and potentially raising food costs. Bats even play a role in food production, helping pollinate plants and spreading seeds that grow ingredients likes nuts and fruits.
The importance of bats in the UK
In the UK, we’re lucky to have 18 species of bats. But sadly, bat numbers have dropped a lot over the last few decades. This is mainly because they've lost their homes, land use has changed, and development has posed threats. Now, bats are among the most endangered mammals in the UK, with four species at risk of disappearing from the country altogether.
The loss of their natural habitats like hedgerows and woodlands, along with the use of pesticides, has reduced the number of insects bats eat. Climate change makes things even tougher by affecting insect life cycles, making it harder for bats to find food when they need it.
How Affinity Water is helping
At Affinity Water, we’re committed to protecting nature and supporting native wildlife like bats. Our Biodiversity Team works together with our stakeholders and communities to conserve and increase the plants and animals on our land. We manage over 450 sites, some of which are nationally designated areas that need special attention.
We’re creating specific management plans to improve habitats on sites that can support more wildlife. This includes undertaking habitat surveys and setting up enhancements, creating rich and diverse landscapes which can support a variety of biodiversity. Affinity Water is proud to continue installing bat boxes across our sites, creating more homes for bats.
Our commitment to bat conservation
At Affinity Water we are lucky to have several bat species using our sites, for foraging and breeding. We are proud that our ecologists have been able to educate and raise awareness internally to all staff about the importance of bats and what we must do to ensure they are protected and unharmed. We have undertaken talks and workshops to ensure that everyone knows the signs to look out for when on site and we provide toolbox talks and literature for everybody who needs it.
We have previously hosted bat walks at dusk at one of our sites to show our colleagues just how close they really are to some of our most precious and protected mammals in the UK. We are hoping to host more of these events in 2025.
By protecting bats, we're not just saving one species - we're helping keep our whole ecosystem healthy. Bats play a big role in nature, so taking care of them is really important for the environment.
Annual awareness dates: International Bat Night
International Bat Night happens on the last weekend of August each year. It's organised by Eurobats and supported by bat conservation groups all over the world. This event brings together communities, conservationists, and bat lovers to celebrate and learn about bats. There are activities like guided bat walks, talks, and workshops to help people understand why bats are important and why we need to protect their homes. It's a chance to see bats in their natural habitats and learn how to help protect them.
What can you do?
You can create bat-friendly spaces in your garden by planting native flowers, avoiding pesticides, and setting up bat boxes. These efforts not only help bats thrive but also improve our own well-being, as protecting bat habitats supports clean air and water.
Bats even inspire scientific research, with their long lives and strong immune systems leading to medical discoveries. By understanding the importance of these fascinating creatures, we can all take steps to ensure they continue to benefit our ecosystem.
Want to learn more about how you can help bats? Explore our resources to find out how you can support bat conservation in your community. Together, we can make a difference.
The Bat Conservation Trust also has useful information where you can learn more about each species and the work they do.