Hello. This is Jo from the Wild Bunch. On Friday 16th August Frome Town Council, Somerset Bat Group and the Wild Bunch organised another Somerset record-breaking bat count. On this beautiful, warm and clear evening, around 60 people in 11 teams made a total of 210 bat observations. Common and then Soprano (Pygmy) Pipistrelle made up the majority of sightings. But there were 10 other species, including a number of Noctule, and a couple of Greater Horseshoes, a first for a Frome Big Bat Count.
This was our 4th bat count in Frome. We try to organise two counts a year, usually in May and August. Why are we counting bats? Because like most wildlife, they really need our help. According to Bat Conservation Trust, in the UK, bat populations have declined considerably over the last century. Bats are still under threat from building and development work that affects roosts, loss of habitat, cat attacks, and some chemical treatments of building materials.
The Red List for British Mammals shows that four of the 11 British mammal species that are listed as being at imminent risk of extinction are bats. Two more British bat species are near threatened. Bats represent over a quarter of British mammal species and around one fifth of global mammal species.
Other than keeping close eye on bat numbers, there are other ways to support bats. Bats feed on flying insects so a garden that supports insects will also support bats. Planting flowers for pollinators, especially those which are night scented, and creating a pond, will ensure that bats have plenty of food. If you have space, planting trees and shrubs is also a good idea. For more information on how to help bats visit Bat Conservation Trust or Somerset Bat Group websites.
Our next Wild Bunch gathering is on 19th September at 1.30pm. Join us to explore the concept of Frome’s Tiny Forest in Egford Park, and visit Broadway Community Garden. To book your free space please visit Frome Wild Bunch page on Frome Town Council’s website.
