Freshwater is an important resource for all bat species in the UK.
Bats drink from open water surfaces and many species also forage
on emerging insects – such as caddis flies, crane flies, midges and
mosquitoes – that have aquatic larval stages. Creating and managing
ponds to benefit bats could encourage greater numbers and also
higher species diversity of bats visiting a site. (Image: Brown Long-eared Bat © Kim Taylor)
Bats will visit a wide range of pond types, including ponds of all sizes.
Best practice design principles for pond creation schemes, such as good
water quality, wide drawdown zones, and pond complexes with varied
profiles, will all benefit bats. There are, however, specific habitat features and aspects of pond location, design and management, which can improve a ponds’ value for bats, by enhancing their drinking and foraging opportunities
To find out more about the bats that might be visiting your pond, or how to improve your ponds for bats, download our special bat species dossier.
