A recent ecological survey at one of our woodland sites in the Braydon Forest has confirmed the presence of Barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats, two of the UK’s rare bat species.

The survey used a combination of harp traps, mist nets, and acoustic lures to safely capture bats, enabling licensed bat workers to confirm species identification, age, sex and breeding condition. All British bats are protected species and this work was carried out under license by a specialist team of bat ecologists. 

The survey successfully recorded 13 bats across seven species, which is incredibly encouraging. 3 Bechstein’s bats, including juveniles, and 1 adult male Barbastelle bat—another rare species of high conservation concern were recorded. Noctule (including a lactating female), Soprano Pipistrelle, Common Pipistrelle, Natterer’s bat, and Brown Long-eared bat were also trapped. A Serotine bat was also recorded on bat detectors at dusk. 

Research conducted across the region since 2006 coordinated by Gareth Harris of Wiltshire Bat Group has identified the Braydon Forest as an important stronghold for Bechstein’s bats. Bechstein’s bats are ancient woodland specialists, reliant on mature canopies and standing deadwood for roosting and foraging. Due to habitat loss creating fragmentation of habitats, the species is a high conservation priority across the UK. 

The findings from this survey, excitingly suggest the presence of a previously unrecorded maternity roost for Wiltshire. The trapping survey captured two juvenile Bechstein’s bats alongside an adult female. The survey targeted the period immediately following the maternity season, when young bats are capable of flight but have not yet dispersed—the capture of juveniles indicates that breeding is occurring locally within the woodland. 

Because maternity colonies across the Braydon Forest network are interconnected, creating joined-up woodland management to protect habitats is essential to supporting the overall population.

The early-evening capture of the male Barbastelle bat, alongside detector activity shortly after sunset, suggests local roosting for that species as well. However, further monitoring will be required to determine whether a Barbastelle maternity roost is present at this site.

These findings reinforce the importance of long-term, sympathetic woodland management—such as retaining veteran trees and protecting nature corridors—to preserve the habitat quality required by bat species across the Braydon Forest.