Bats with Dr Amy Schwartz

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Thursday, 15 September 2022 at 9:00 am

Bats may have a sinister reputation, but one bat can eat 300 mosquitoes a night, and a host of other garden pests too. So put aside your qualms and step into their night-time world.

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Bats are often overlooked in the garden. Being nocturnal, we don’t see them much. But did you know there are 18 species of bats in the UK (of which one, sadly, there is only one individual left)? British bats eat a range of “garden pests” such as mosquitoes and midges – one pipistrelle bat can eat 300 mosquitoes a night.

Today, Dr Amy Schwartz, ecologist and bat carer, based in Barry, Wales, is in conversation with Kate Bradbury as they explore these fascinating flying mammals.

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