A rare and elusive species, the barbastelle bat is only found across southern England and Wales residing in woodlands, near streams and rivers. The majority of UK winter records of barbastelle are of single bats in underground sites. Thought to be an unlikely species in Ireland but presence or absence here seems to be largely unknown.
The Barbastelle has long and silky fur that is blackish-brown in colour, but with white tips. It has rounded ears that meet on the forehead, and a short, upturned nose. Very few breeding sites are known. In the UK, Barbastelles are also known to roost in cavities behind joints of timber-framed buildings, between close fitting roof timbers and in hollow tree trunks. Occasionally they can be found behind loose bark on dead trees, and movement between winter roosts is quite frequent they have been known to fly and forage in mild spells all winter. The Barbastelle mainly eats beetles and small moths.
Numbers are thought to be declining as a result of habitat loss and the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides which affects insect abundance and diversity.
