They might be often out of sight and out of mind, but bats are a vital part of our ecosystem, and they have a very important relationship with trees. Woodlands are essential for the survival of all of our bat species – but what about the trees found on farms?
Bats are an excellent indicator of local biodiversity, and so establishing how trees on farms could be a good habitat for bats could tell us how we can improve the landscape for nature more generally.
Beth Bridge is in the third year of a PhD at the University of Edinburgh & Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), and she has been studying bats on farms across Scotland to research how planting more trees on farms may improve habitats for different bat species.
Beth uses bioacoustics (measurements of sound in the environment) to survey bats, and she is particularly interested in how bats use wood pastures, where trees are incorporated into livestock pastures.
At this free online event, Beth will be giving a snapshot of her findings so far and lifting the lid on what we know - and don't know - about the relationship between trees, bats and farms - and how we can get better at measuring it.
This event forms part of the programme of winter talks being delivered by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, using funds from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands (SCIO 052525) is a new membership organisation supporting trees, woodlands and the people that depend upon them in the region. Partners include Dumfries & Galloway Council, Borders Forest Trust, Woodland Trust Scotland and Scottish Forestry. For more information, visit www.dgwoodlands.org.uk.
(Photo: Keir Oaks, with new generation in boxes - part of the Wood of Keyr Historic Woodland Restoration Project, near Penpont)