Welcome

Bats are amongst our most fascinating and enigmatic wild animals. We still know very little about most of our species. What we do know however is that populations of all our commoner species have decreased greatly over the last 60 years. One species recently became extinct in Britain and others are now seriously endangered. The Herts and Middx Bat Group are working to further bat conservation in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. We also provide advice and information for householders and landowners and hope that you find our website a useful resource. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have a bat related query.

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The bat pictured above is a Nathusius' pipistrelle

Need help with a bat

 

HMBG bat helpline number: 07517 123 200 or if that is unavailable please call the BCT helpline on 0345 1300 228 at the very first opportunity rather than using email.
Call this number for bat welfare emergencies only.
Please email for all other enquiries.

For non-urgent or general enquiries concerning the Group and bats please email us on: enquiries@hmbg.org.uk


A Bat's life: March
Following the coldest winter months bats are increasingly active on warmer nights. During cold spells they will return to periods of torpor to conserve energy.

A Bat's life: April
Bats are now active on all but the coldest nights. When there are insects flying they will be actively foraging. If there's a cold spell they will return to a torpid state until it's warm enough to feed again.

This a period of mating and the beginning of pregnancy for many adult female bats (through the re-activation of sperm stored since autumnal mating or by way of spring mating). April is a time of transition when bats often change their more settled winter hibernation sites for temporary roosts and when females begin to return to often long-established maternity roosts in which they form colonies.

 

If you have found a bat which you believe may require help (i.e. one that’s grounded, in the open during daylight hours, caught by a cat, or within the living area of your property) then please call us on 07517 123 200 or if that is unavailable please call the BCT helpline on 0345 1300 228 at the very first opportunity, rather than using email. We can respond much quicker and we'll guide you through some immediate steps which will reduce your concerns and greatly increase the bat's chance of survival and recovery. Grounded bats in particular need protection from cats and inclement weather as soon as possible. If you find a bat flying around inside your property please refer to the ‘Need help with a bat?’ section of the website.