On Friday 11th April, Friends of Castle Meadows, alongside MonLife’s bat expert, welcomed 60 enthusiastic participants for a moonlit bat walk through Castle Meadows, with almost a third of the group being knowledgeable and inquisitive children.

As dusk fell, excitement grew as bats began to flit overhead. Armed with bat detectors, attendees were delighted to record a flurry of bat activity throughout the evening. A total of four species were identified: Common and Soprano Pipistrelles, Daubenton’s, and Noctule bats.

Meet the Bats:

• Noctule – One of Britain’s largest bats, roughly the length of a hand. This tree-roosting species flies in a straight line, very high and fast, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h.
• Common Pipistrelle – The UK’s most common bat, weighing less than a £1 coin. Despite their tiny size, one pipistrelle can consume over 3,000 insects in a single night.
• Soprano Pipistrelle – Even smaller than its common cousin, this species tends to forage near water and is also a tree-rooster.
• Daubenton’s – Often called the “water bat,” these agile fliers skim insects from the surface of the River Usk using their large feet or tail, flying low and fast – up to 25 km/h.

The event was a resounding success and highlighted the rich biodiversity of Castle Meadows, as well as the enthusiasm of the local community for learning about and protecting our native wildlife.

Upcoming Walks and Talks – 2025 Diary

Join us for more nature-based activities this spring and summer:

• Sunday 27th April: Bird Walk with Steve Butler, 9am–11am
• Sunday 29th June: Plants on the Meadow with Kath Beasley (GWT), 10am–12pm
• Saturday 19th July: Butterflies on the Meadow with Jeff Davies, 11am–1pm

Please note: All events are weather dependent and begin at the Lower Byfield Car Park.