What Bat Species Are There In Britain?

There are 13 species in Britain.  Many of these are very rare and at risk of going extinct.   Habitat loss is the main problem for bats.  And although they are sometimes directly persecuted (intentionally killed or victims of deliberate destruction of their nesting roosts).

The two most common and very widespread species are Pipistrelle and Brown-long-eared bats.  If you see a bat, it is probably one of these species.

Widespread but not as numerous are Daubenton's, Noctule, Brandt's, Serotine and Natterer's bat.

The following bat species are rare and occur only over a limited range.  You would be very lucky to ever see any of them.

The Greater Horseshoe (SouthWest England )

Lesser Horseshoe (SouthWest England/South Wales)

Leisler's bat (Central England)

Barbastelle bat (most of Southern England and Wales)

Bechstein's bat (a few counties in southern England, including Hampshire, Gloucestershire and part of West Sussex).

In 1991 the mouse-eared bat was declared extinct in Britain.