According to the UK Bat Conservation Trust we have 18 different species of bat in the UK, the most common of which is the aptly named common pipistrelle.
As we sit out on the warm summer evenings, there is every chance that we will spot a bat at nighttime hunting for moths.
It is unlikely that we will ever come across an injured bat, but if you ever do you should pick it up ever so gently whilst wearing thick gloves to avoid bites. It’s advisable to wear a face mask or to tie a scarf around your nose and mouth.
Place the bat in a shoebox containing some grass or leaves, a cloth or tea towel for the bat to hide under, and a a bottle top filled with water. You should also create some air holes in the box lid.
If in doubt call the national bat helpline.
You should then take the bat to your local vet or a wildlife centre if you have one close to you.
Species of bat on our shores include several horseshoe, noctule, long-eared, pipistrelle and brown varieties. There is a gallery of some shown below.
Useful links – RSPCA bat pages https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/bats Bat Conservation Trust https://www.bats.org.uk
RSPCA South London - For Every Kind Of Creature 