Hethersett is well served by surveys of its bat population thanks to the Norfolk Bat Survey and its use of the local Library as one of the collection points for monitoring equipment.
Species of bats found inhabiting Hethersett range from the Common Pipistrelle to the country’s biggest bat the Noctule, the rarest the Barbastelle and the rare Serotine Bat. Other species detected included the Soprano Pipistrelle, the Nathusius Pipistrelle, Leisler’s Bat and Daubentons. For further information on any of the local bats click on the red lettering to access the fascinating information sheets provided by the Bat Conservation Trust Website.
Common Pipistrelle unusually out in the day Credit: andrewmckie via Compfight cc
Bats are most active shortly after dusk and in peak numbers in late summer but are monitored between mid April and September before they hibernate for the winter. The most common pipistrelle is small enough to fit in a match box with its wings folded and is easiest to detect using a bat detector which changes its subsonic echo-locating clicks into a detectable form. This page is under development but will include locations of best spots to lookout for bats and what key features to look out for. (check back soon and if you have any sightings or data that could be used please send it to the usual email suburbanbirder@gmx.com
Late August to September 2016 sightings above including common pipistrelles heard and often seen hunting around street lights . The red marker in Kissing Alley at the south East of the map marks a soprano pipistrelle hunting near the Hethersett Hall Lake.
Hethersett Birdlife 