Gemma Morgan, Bournemouth Water’s Environment Officer, recently encouraged a local Scout Group to get handy with hammers and make some new homes for bats.
What is the connection between bats and a water company, and why is it important to support bats?
Why are bats important?
Bats are biological indicators of biodiversity – having bats around is a sign of a healthy wildlife ecosystem. If there are bats, it means there are enough insects to sustain them.
Bats are also sensitive to change, so if they are in an area, it means there is a stable environment without too much disturbance. Again, this is a sign that a place is likely to provide a good habitat for other wildlife.
In the UK, there are 18 different bat species, but they face threats of habitat loss and climate change. Urban development means that areas of natural habitats like hedgerows, woodlands and ponds that bats live in are reduced.
Why are bats linked to water treatment sites?
Water treatment sites provide important habitats for bats. Firstly, they are relatively undisturbed. They are also rich in waterborne insects, providing an ideal feeding ground. By installing bat boxes, the sites benefit from natural pest control as bats take up residence.
Unlike birds, bats don't build nests – they find suitable places to roost in cracks, crevices and under roofing tiles. This means that providing alternative roosting shelters is crucial. Bat boxes offer an artificial roosting habitat, encouraging bats to settle in new areas.
Enlisting the help of Scouts
Gemma Morgan visited a local Scout Group in Christchurch to talk to them about bats. She gave a fascinating presentation that underscored the vital role bats play in our ecosystem and inspired the scouts to engage actively with their local environment. The scouts had lots of questions and experiences to share.
In a follow-up session, the scouts rolled up their sleeves and built bat boxes from timber. This hands-on project not only deepened their understanding of bat conservation but also helped them develop practical woodworking and teamwork skills.
Guided by their leaders and parents, the scouts crafted sturdy bat boxes designed to offer safe roosting spaces for bats. Once completed, the bat boxes were installed at Bournemouth Water’s Knapp Mill Water Treatment Works in Christchurch, close to the Scout Group.
Monitoring these bat boxes will provide valuable data on local bat populations and their health, contributing to ongoing research and future conservation strategies.
This initiative is an example of how involving young people in environmental education can foster a sense of responsibility and connection to nature. By learning about bats and participating in their conservation, the scouts are making meaningful strides in protecting local wildlife.
How you can get involved
As we face ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation and water sustainability, community involvement and education are key to building a sustainable future for biodiversity and environmental resilience.
Learn more about our bat box installations at Bournemouth Water sites.
Bat facts
- Bats are the world’s only true flying mammals
- Bats aren’t blind – some have poor night vision and use echolocation to navigate.
- Bats can live for up to 30 years and they usually have only one baby a year
- The tiny pipistrelle can eat up to 3,000 insects each night
Find out more and see if there’s a bat group near you on the Bat Conservation Trust website.