Bat Boxes

Volunteers spent some of their time this morning checking the many bat boxes around the reserve.  These are situated along Risedale Beck, the Lake and other small streams which surveys have shown to be used as 'bat highways' as they head out to forage overnight.

Bats were found to be roosting in two of the boxes, with evidence of bats seen in many of the others.  Mice and Wrens were also found to be using the boxes as nesting sites.  Eight species of bat were recorded on the reserve over the Bioblitz weekend, incluging, Natterer's, Daubenton's and Brown Long-eared bats.  We have a bat themed activity morning planned during half term on Thursday 31st October - head up to the Field Centre for some arts and crafts activities and to learn a little about these fascinating creatures.

With mild temperatures and damp conditions fungi is flourishing across the reserve.  These beautiful examples were seen today as we were checking the boxes on a fallen trunk across Risedale Beck.