Earlier this month, The Friends of Gorse Covert Mounds gathered at The Poacher in Birchwood for an evening walk to monitor the bat population.
It had been several years since the last survey at Gorse Convert Mounds, which is a Woodlands Trust site, so volunteers were eager to either join a bat walk for the first time or observe any changes in local activity.
Local retired ecologist Rob Smith led the walk, beginning with a short talk about his background and over 40 years of experience in wildlife surveying, particularly bats, on behalf of private individuals, local authorities, and national organisations.
Rob introduced the group to bat ecology and demonstrated the use of bat detectors, several of which were provided for the evening by Risley Moss Action Group.
Once the sun had set, the group set off across Gorse Covert’s varied terrain, guided by The Friends of Gorse Covert Mounds chair Nigel Balding. Recordings of several bat species were made throughout the walk, with frequent stops to observe and listen. Rob explained the sounds and behaviours being detected, offering insights into the bats’ activity in real time.
During the walk, various species of bats were spotted – ones which are expected to be seen in the area. However, there were also sightings of two rare bats.
After the walk, Rob said: “It was a fine night for bat activity. Hopefully, bats will have made a few friends among the group who now understand more about their world and the modern pressures facing this declining species.
“We noted Noctule, Whiskered, Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, and Brown Long-Eared bats—species expected in the area.
“The surprise of the night was several recordings of a Leisler’s bat, which is uncommon in the Northwest, and subject to further analysis, a possible Nathusius’ Pipistrelle, a rare continental migrant.
“These records will be submitted to the appropriate recorders for inclusion in the national database.”
Nigel added: “It was a little difficult to find the right weather window, with a couple of dates abandoned due to rain, but I’m so glad we did this. Everyone enjoyed the evening, and we recorded a record number of bat species at Gorse Covert Mounds.
“Members of FoGCM are Woodland Trust volunteers who help care for the site through coppicing, invasive species management, maintenance, and monitoring. If anyone would like to get involved, please find us on Facebook or contact me at nigel.balding@gmail.com.”