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  • Garden Snail - Cornu aspersum Hibernating in Norfolk Woodland
    135687.jpg
  • Garden Snail - Cornu aspersum Hibernating in Norfolk Woodland
    135719.jpg
  • Garden Snail - Cornu aspersum Hibernating in Norfolk Woodland
    135717.jpg
  • Garden Snail - Cornu aspersum Hibernating in Norfolk Woodland
    135686.jpg
  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
    113046.jpg
  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
    124051.jpg
  • Small Tortoiseshell Nymphalis urticae  Wingspan 42mm. A colourful butterfly associated with waste and wayside areas where larval foodplant flourishes. Fond of basking in the sun, usually on bare ground. Adult has marbled orange, yellow and black upperwings; underwings are grey-brown. Double- or triple-brooded: flies March–October. Also hibernates. Larva is yellow and black and spiny; typically they are gregarious and feed on Common Nettle. Fairly common and widespread but much reduced in numbers in recent years.
    111640.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    157035.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140161.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    137028.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140155.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    136432.jpg
  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
    116931.jpg
  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
    124336.jpg
  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
    128345.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140443.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140442.jpg
  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
    128346.jpg
  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
    157706.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140156.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    118364.jpg
  • Edible Dormouse Glis glis Length 28-33cm Plump rodent that recalls a miniature Grey Squirrel. Introduced to Britain, possibly in Roman times. Adult is fat-bodied in autumn but sleek in spring, after losing weight in hibernation. Has a mainly grey coat but throat and belly are whitish and hint a dark stripe down back is sometimes seen. Note the large eyes, rounded ears, and long toes. Tail is long and bushy. Utters chattering grunts and squeals. Introduced and now widespread in the Chilterns. Favours mature deciduous woodlands and mature gardens.
    116394.jpg
  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
    124339.jpg
  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
    157707.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    136545.jpg
  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
    157705.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140157.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    108921.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140160.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    140111.jpg
  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
    145460.jpg
  • Peacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.
    136889.jpg
  • Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Wingspan 30-35cm Large bat with bizarre facial appearance. Adult has soft greyish brown fur, palest below and rusty brown on back. Nostrils are surrounded by horseshoe-shaped fleshy structure that is concerned with echolocation. Ears are greyish brown and wings are darker greyish brown. Squeaks sometimes heard at roosts. Echolocates in 80-83khz range. Rare, mainly in SW. Roosts in cellars and roofs in summer, hibernates in caves, mines and cellars. Hunts beetles and large moths over meadows and in woodland clearings. Emerges from roost 1hr after sunset.
    116932.jpg
  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
    122046.jpg
  • Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus Length 7-10cm Our smallest land mammal. Active throughout the 24hr period. Hunts invertebrates mainly at ground level, but also climbs well and sometimes found in bird boxes. Adult has dense fur; dark brown on upperparts and flanks, contrastingly pale greyish on underparts. Note the pointed, whiskered snout, and small, beady eyes; ears partly hidden by fur. Tail is long relative to body length. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Widespread and common in woodland margins, hedgerows, meadows and moors.
    136541.jpg
  • Garden Snail - Cornu aspersum
    135718.jpg
  • Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
    121251.jpg
  • Barbastelle Bat - Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
    143246.jpg
  • Barbastelle Bat - Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
    143247.jpg
  • Barbastelle Bat - Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
    113000.jpg
  • Barbastelle Bat - Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
    143685.jpg
  • Barbastelle Bat - Barbastella barbastellus Wingspan 25-29cm Medium-sized, dark-looking bat. Adult has long, glossy dark brown fur, darkest on back and palest on the belly. Face is blackish and pug-like. Blackish ears meet in middle of forehead; tragus is triangular. Wings are broad and pointed. Silent within range of human hearing. Very rare, mainly S England and S Wales. Favours undisturbed woodland. Emerges from roosts half an hour or so before sunset. Roosts in tree holes, caves and old buildings in summer, hibernates in trees and caves are also favoured for winter hibernation.
    126349.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    132842.jpg
  • Noctule Nyctalus noctula Wingspan 35-45cm Our largest bat. Adult has rather short fur, golden brown overall, darkest on back and paler below. Face is blackish brown. Ears are dark, large and broadly oval to triangular; tragus is mushroom-shaped. Wings are long and narrow. Utters loud clicks in flight and yickering calls at roosts. Echolocates in 20-45kHz range. Widespread. Favours marshes, meadows, woodland clearings and mature suburban gardens. Leaves roost at dusk and feed throughout night. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in deep tree holes.
    143242.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    144321.jpg
  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
    157699.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    155604.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    102726.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus on the beach, Isles of Scilly Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    143571.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    110207.jpg
  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
    116369.jpg
  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
    116370.jpg
  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
    122819.jpg
  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
    126340.jpg
  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
    126342.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    128150.jpg
  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
    128358.jpg
  • Whiskered Bat Myotis mystacinus Wingspan 19-23cm Similar to Brandt’s Bat but smaller in all respects. Identification relies on dentition studies. Adult has long, fluffy fur, dark brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown with a longer tragus than in Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters high-pitched squeaks if disturbed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Widespread but local. Favours open woodland and park grassland; often feeds over meadows or near water. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in caves, mines and tunnels.
    128415.jpg
  • Grey Long-eared Bat Plecotus austriacus Wingspan 26-30cm Similar to Brown Long-eared Bat but separable with care, mainly using fur colour. Adult has long, fluffy fur, dark grey above and greyish white below. Face has dark ‘bandit’ mask and ears are even longer than Brown Long-eared’s. Wings are dark grey-brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 35-40khz range. Local, mainly coastal S England. Favours mature gardens in towns and villages and emerges after dark. Flight is slow and fluttering. Roosts in roof spaces in summer, hibernates in cellars and caves.
    135999.jpg
  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
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  • Bechstein’s Bat Myotis bechsteinii Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized and relatively long-eared bat. Adult has rather long, fluffy fur that is reddish brown above and greyish white below. Bare face is pinkish red and ears are rather long and broad, with 9 transverse folds visible and a long, pointed tragus. Wings are dark brown. Silent in range of human hearing. Rare, with only scattered records mainly in S England and S Wales. Associated mainly with deciduous woodland. Flight is fluttering. Roosts and hibernates in tree holes.
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  • Bechstein’s Bat Myotis bechsteinii Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized and relatively long-eared bat. Adult has rather long, fluffy fur that is reddish brown above and greyish white below. Bare face is pinkish red and ears are rather long and broad, with 9 transverse folds visible and a long, pointed tragus. Wings are dark brown. Silent in range of human hearing. Rare, with only scattered records mainly in S England and S Wales. Associated mainly with deciduous woodland. Flight is fluttering. Roosts and hibernates in tree holes.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized bat with rather large ears and long tragus. Adult has medium-length fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish white below. Face is reddish, almost bald and rather dog-like. Wings are broad. Echolocates in 35-80 kHz range. Widespread. Favours woodland margins, hedgerows and parkland with mature trees. Emerges from roost an hour after sunset and feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are rather slow; hovers occasionally. Roosts in tree holes, buildings and under bridges in summer, hibernates in canal tunnels and mines.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized bat with rather large ears and long tragus. Adult has medium-length fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish white below. Face is reddish, almost bald and rather dog-like. Wings are broad. Echolocates in 35-80 kHz range. Widespread. Favours woodland margins, hedgerows and parkland with mature trees. Emerges from roost an hour after sunset and feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are rather slow; hovers occasionally. Roosts in tree holes, buildings and under bridges in summer, hibernates in canal tunnels and mines.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Noctule Nyctalus noctula Wingspan 35-45cm Our largest bat. Adult has rather short fur, golden brown overall, darkest on back and paler below. Face is blackish brown. Ears are dark, large and broadly oval to triangular; tragus is mushroom-shaped. Wings are long and narrow. Utters loud clicks in flight and yickering calls at roosts. Echolocates in 20-45kHz range. Widespread. Favours marshes, meadows, woodland clearings and mature suburban gardens. Leaves roost at dusk and feed throughout night. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in deep tree holes.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Leisler’s Bat Nyctalus leisleri Wingspan 30-35cm Medium-sized bat. Recalls Noctule but smaller. Adult has long fur, dark brown above and buffish brown below. Face is blackish. Ears are dark and broadly oval with 4-5 transverse folds; tragus is mushroom-shaped. Wings are dark and narrow. Utters shrill calls in flight. Echolocates in 15-45kHz range. Widespread, mainly in Ireland. Feeds over marshes, meadows and in open woodland. Feeds just after dusk and just before dawn. Flight is fast, wingbeats are rapid. Roosts in tree holes, roof spaces and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in deep tree holes.
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  • Whiskered Bat Myotis mystacinus Wingspan 19-23cm Similar to Brandt’s Bat but smaller in all respects. Identification relies on dentition studies. Adult has long, fluffy fur, dark brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown with a longer tragus than in Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters high-pitched squeaks if disturbed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Widespread but local. Favours open woodland and park grassland; often feeds over meadows or near water. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in caves, mines and tunnels.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Noctule Nyctalus noctula Wingspan 35-45cm Our largest bat. Adult has rather short fur, golden brown overall, darkest on back and paler below. Face is blackish brown. Ears are dark, large and broadly oval to triangular; tragus is mushroom-shaped. Wings are long and narrow. Utters loud clicks in flight and yickering calls at roosts. Echolocates in 20-45kHz range. Widespread. Favours marshes, meadows, woodland clearings and mature suburban gardens. Leaves roost at dusk and feed throughout night. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in deep tree holes.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
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  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattereri Wingspan 25-30cm Medium-sized bat with rather large ears and long tragus. Adult has medium-length fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish white below. Face is reddish, almost bald and rather dog-like. Wings are broad. Echolocates in 35-80 kHz range. Widespread. Favours woodland margins, hedgerows and parkland with mature trees. Emerges from roost an hour after sunset and feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are rather slow; hovers occasionally. Roosts in tree holes, buildings and under bridges in summer, hibernates in canal tunnels and mines.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentonii Wingspan 24-27cm Medium-sized bat with rather small head but large feet. Ears are relatively small with short tragus (projection). Adult has silky fur; yellow-brown upperparts show distinct separation from greyish white underparts. Echolocation start in 60-85kHz range and ends in 35 kHz range. Widespread. Favours wooded ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers. Emerges from roost 30-60 minutes after sunset; feeds throughout night. Wingbeats are relatively slow. Sometimes grabs insects from water surface. Roosts under bridges and in tree holes in summer, hibernates in caves and tunnels.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros Wingspan 19.5-25cm Smaller than Greater Horseshoe Bat but with similar facial appearance. Adult has fluffy fur, greyish brown above and paler below. Nostrils are surrounded by afleshy, horseshoe-shaped structure. Ears and wings are greyish brown. Audible squeaks heard at nursery colonies. Echolocates in 105-115kHz range. Favours open woodland, but also feeds along hedgerows; insect caught in flight and gleaned from foliage. Roosts in roofs and cellars summer, hibernates in caves and mines. Rare, restricted to SW England and W Ireland. Emerges from roosts at dusk and feeds throughout night.
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  • Noctule Nyctalus noctula Wingspan 35-45cm Our largest bat. Adult has rather short fur, golden brown overall, darkest on back and paler below. Face is blackish brown. Ears are dark, large and broadly oval to triangular; tragus is mushroom-shaped. Wings are long and narrow. Utters loud clicks in flight and yickering calls at roosts. Echolocates in 20-45kHz range. Widespread. Favours marshes, meadows, woodland clearings and mature suburban gardens. Leaves roost at dusk and feed throughout night. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in deep tree holes.
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  • Leisler’s Bat Nyctalus leisleri Wingspan 30-35cm Medium-sized bat. Recalls Noctule but smaller. Adult has long fur, dark brown above and buffish brown below. Face is blackish. Ears are dark and broadly oval with 4-5 transverse folds; tragus is mushroom-shaped. Wings are dark and narrow. Utters shrill calls in flight. Echolocates in 15-45kHz range. Widespread, mainly in Ireland. Feeds over marshes, meadows and in open woodland. Feeds just after dusk and just before dawn. Flight is fast, wingbeats are rapid. Roosts in tree holes, roof spaces and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in deep tree holes.
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  • Brown Long-eared Bat Plecotus auritus Wingspan 24-28cm Distinctive bat. Flight is slow with fluttering wingbeats. Adult has fluffy, long fur, buffish brown above and buffish white below. Ears are very long, pinkish brown with numerous transverse folds. Face is pinkish brown and wings are brown. Squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 30-40khz range. Widespread. Favours wooded habitats, including mature gardens and hedgerows as well as deciduous and mixed woodland. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in roofs, cellars and caves.
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  • Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Wingspan 30-35cm Large bat with bizarre facial appearance. Adult has soft greyish brown fur, palest below and rusty brown on back. Nostrils are surrounded by horseshoe-shaped fleshy structure that is concerned with echolocation. Ears are greyish brown and wings are darker greyish brown. Squeaks sometimes heard at roosts. Echolocates in 80-83khz range. Rare, mainly in SW. Roosts in cellars and roofs in summer, hibernates in caves, mines and cellars. Hunts beetles and large moths over meadows and in woodland clearings. Emerges from roost 1hr after sunset.
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  • Whiskered Bat Myotis mystacinus Wingspan 19-23cm Similar to Brandt’s Bat but smaller in all respects. Identification relies on dentition studies. Adult has long, fluffy fur, dark brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown with a longer tragus than in Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters high-pitched squeaks if disturbed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Widespread but local. Favours open woodland and park grassland; often feeds over meadows or near water. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in caves, mines and tunnels.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Serotine Eptesicus serotinus Wingspan 33-38cm Large bat, often associated with human habitation. Adult has sleek fur, dark brown above and yellowish brown below. Nose and face are dark; dark ears are oval with 5 transverse folds and tragus is sickle-shaped. Wings are long, broad and dark. Utters shrill squeaks at roost sites. Echolocates in 25-30khz range. Widespread in S, favouring open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Leaves roosts shortly after sunset; wingbeats are slow and fluttering. Roosts in tree holes and buildings in summer, hibernates in buildings and barns.
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  • Whiskered Bat Myotis mystacinus Wingspan 19-23cm Similar to Brandt’s Bat but smaller in all respects. Identification relies on dentition studies. Adult has long, fluffy fur, dark brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown with a longer tragus than in Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters high-pitched squeaks if disturbed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Widespread but local. Favours open woodland and park grassland; often feeds over meadows or near water. Emerges from roost after dark. Roosts in tree holes and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in caves, mines and tunnels.
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  • Hazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
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  • Brandt’s Bat Myotis brandtii Wingspan 21-25cm Small, poorly studied bat. Similar to Whiskered Bat. Adult has long, fluffy fur, yellowish brown above and greyish below. Ears are dark brown, shorter than those of Whiskered. Wings are dark brown and rather narrow. Utters twittering squeaks when alarmed. Echolocates in 40-80khz range. Favours open woodland. Full range is poorly known but widespread in Wales and W and N England. Sometimes emerges from roost in late afternoon. Flight is rapid with short glides. Roosts in buildings, roofs and bat boxes in summer, hibernates in tunnels, tree holes and cellars.
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