Going batty at Loch Leven

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is running a guided bat walk with the Fife and Kinross Bat Group, a partner of the Bat Conservation Trust. Participants can try out bat detectors to find out what type of bats are around and may have a chance to see some other nocturnal animals such as owls and deer.

SNH assistant reserve officer , Tom Cole, said:

“Bats often get a bad name, but they’re actually really fascinating, long-lived and intelligent creatures – and they help control midges, so we think they’re terrific on the reserve! This free walk is a fun way to learn more about bats and see some Loch Leven wildlife.”

Bats play an important role: not only do they help control insects, but they can also show us how healthy habitats are as whole. If bats are doing well, it’s more likely plants and insect populations are also thriving. Bat populations have declined substantially in Scotland over the last century. In the UK, this has meant all species are legally protected from harm.

The walk takes place from 8-10pm on 6 May, meeting at Burleigh Sands car park. Places are limited, so booking is essential. Call the reserve office on 01577 864 439 to book a place.

Loch Leven is Scotland’s largest lowland loch and one of the most important sites for waterfowl in Britain. Its unique environment attracts not only the largest concentration of breeding ducks anywhere in the UK, but also many thousands of migratory ducks, geese and swans every autumn and winter, as well as boasting an interesting variety of wildlife, plants and trees.

ENDS

MEDIA QUERIES - For more information, contact SNH press & public relations officers for Scottish Natural Heritage, Vicki Mowat on 0131 316 2659 or vicki.mowat@snh.gov.uk (Tues-Fri), or the main SNH press office on 01463 725 020 or 022.