Bats at home at Crom

The simple bat has intrigued the human race from the beginning of time.  The majority of us grew up reading or watching the heroic ventures of Bob King’s ‘Batman’, while at the same time bats were depicted as the ultimate evil in the vampire films from the early 1930s.  However bats are very timid and harmless creatures.

Of the eight bat species present in Northern Ireland, two are of special importance - Leisler’s bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle.  Bats tend to roost in old buildings, trees, caves, bridges and usually emerge as dusk descends.  Their feeding habit varies from species to species, however most need sheltered areas where a plentiful supply of insects exist.  Ideal habitats include areas of unimproved pasture, woodlands, river valleys with slow moving rivers, hay meadows and marshland.

There are UK Biodiversity Action Plans for several Priority Species of bat. Bat populations are threatened by loss of habitat and food sources and by deliberate killing.  It is illegal to damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place bats use for shelter or protection.  

The National Trust at Crom Estate, near Newtownbutler, has the accolade of being home to all eight bat species found in Northern Ireland.  The proliferation of traditional buildings and native woodland on the estate provides a haven for the bat population.  Last year over 4000 bats were counted on the estate however Ian McCurly, Property Manager of National Trust Crom, estimates that the total population is much higher.

Care should be taken to ensure existing roosts are not disturbed when carrying out restoration works on traditional buildings under agri-environment schemes.  Other positive steps can include avoiding closing off all access points; leave small holes at the eaves between the cladding and stone wall of the building.  Another measure is to fit bat boxes on suitable locations around the farmyard whether inside or outside buildings or up trees.  

Participants of the Countryside Management Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme may be eligible for funding to provide bat boxes on their farms.  Details of funding can be obtained from your local DARD Countryside Management Branch.