There are 17 different species of bat native to the UK. This makes them the largest and most diverse group of mammals in the country.  

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Bats have dynamic lifestyles and use a number of roosts throughout the year including hibernation, transitional and maternity roosts (among others). Roosts are places that bats use for shelter and rest and can be found in numerous different locations depending on the species. Bats can be found roosting in buildings, trees, caves, mines and bridges; depending on the species bats will roost within small crevices, closely against structures or freely hanging from walls, ceilings or ledges of caves or buildings.

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All UK bats are insectivorous and use echolocation to find their way in the dark and hunt. Bats also use ultrasonic calls to communicate with each other and find mates.

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Bats typically only have a single pup per year which is nursed by the mother for up to six weeks until it is able to fly and hunt for itself. Before then the mother will often carry the baby when changing roosts and will leave it tucked away in the roost with other young for short periods whilst she is away hunting. The mother will also take it out on its first flights and show it how to find food. It is thought that mothers also take their young to hibernation sites such as caves where bats swarm in autumn to find mates and socialise.