The Bat Conservation Trust are keen for People in Orkney to help them find out where there are bats in the islands.

Several species of bat have been recorded in Orkney over the years, yet no bat roost has ever been verified. As part of Scotland-wide species conservation programme, Species on the Edge, Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) are asking islanders to help them gain a better understanding of Orkney’s bats in order to inform conservation action.

Cathryn Baillie, BCT project officer for Species on the Edge, explained:

“People have been monitoring bats in Orkney for some time, we know that bats are here, with several species recorded in the area over the years, but we’d love to learn more about how these amazing creatures are using the local landscape. If you think you know of any bat roosts in Orkney, please get in touch: cbaillie@bats.org.uk.”

A brown long-eared bat was discovered in Orkney in September 2023, the sixth record of the species in Orkney according to local bat recorder, Tim Dean. Unfortunately, the bat was deceased when it was found, but it begs the question, where did it come from? Brown long-eared bats are not known for flying great distances, so, did this bat have a roost in Orkney, or was it blown in by chance?

Although fairly widespread around Britain, brown long-eared bats are a very elusive species; they are difficult to record due to their quiet and shy nature. Often referred to as the ‘whispering bat’, they echolocate very quietly, or sometimes not at all, using their huge ears to passively listen out for prey. They tend to emerge well after sunset and favour woodland cover which can make them very difficult to find. Most brown long-eared bat records come from finding dead bats or known roosts.

Tim said:

“Orkney’s bats are some of the hardiest in the UK, but we still don’t know too much about them. In order to help them survive and even thrive in Orkney we need to ensure that their welfare is not compromised. Input from the Species on the Edge team will help determine locations and abundance and promote interest for these special creatures that continue to fly under the radar.”

Where do bats roost?

Bats may roost individually or as a colony, and roosts can be found in buildings, structures, caves, tunnels or trees. Bats favour different conditions for roosts depending on the purpose and the time of year. For example, they seek warm, dry conditions when selecting a maternity roost to raise their young, during the summer months. Females give birth to a single baby, called a pup, which they raise surrounded by other mothers and their young.

Brown long-eared bats like big, open loft spaces for their maternity roosts, so you may actually see them peering down at you from the rafters if you check your old barns or buildings. Bats don’t make nests, cause structural damage or chew wires. You may have bats living with you and never know they are there!

Have you seen bats emerging from a structure near you at sunset, or perhaps you’ve seen some swarming activity as they re enter the roost at sunrise? If so, get in touch.

Why monitor bats?

Bats are an important part of our native wildlife, accounting for almost a third of all UK mammal species. In addition to feasting on thousands of irritating midges or crop damaging insects, they are also great biodiversity indicators, and monitoring their populations can tell us a lot about the health of the wider environment. A healthy environment for bats benefits other wildlife, livestock and people too.

Bats are often feared and misunderstood but are fascinating in so many ways. They have been around for a very long time (since dinosaurs roamed the Earth!) and have evolved into a huge range of species (over 1400 worldwide!), distributed all around the globe. They are social creatures that like to hang out with friends and can have a lifespan far greater than you would expect from a tiny mammal, with the oldest recorded Brandt’s bat reaching the grand old age of 41! Scientists have long been interested in studying their secret of eternal youth.

Unfortunately, bats have suffered severe declines over the past century. They are slow breeders, only producing a single pup each year, so their populations take time to recover and therefore need our support.

The Species on the Edge team in Orkney will be hosting a range of events throughout the summer to raise awareness of bats in Orkney and to encourage more people to get involved in helping to conserve them. Upcoming events include a summer solstice bat event featuring survey demonstration and training for those interested in volunteering (21st June in Finstown);

‘Batty about Bats’ events during the Orkney Science Festival (5-11 September); and a series of bat survey days from July to September.

Orkney is one of seven Species on the Edge project areas across Scotland. Nine rare and vulnerable species are the focus of conservation action in the area, including plants, bumblebees, birds, beetles and bats. Those interested in learning more about Species on the Edge in Orkney are invited to get in touch with Species on the Edge People Engagement Officer, Sam Stringer: samantha.stringer@rspb.org.uk, and to sign up to the Species on the Edge mailing list: http://eepurl.com/isDe16