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Celebrate International Bat Night: 29-30 August 2026

Bats are one of the most fascinating parts of British wildlife. The UK is home to 18 bat species, from tiny pipistrelles flitting through gardens at dusk to larger species hunting over woodland, rivers and open countryside.

International Bat Night takes place on 29–30 August 2026, giving us the perfect opportunity to discover more about these remarkable nocturnal mammals and the challenges they face. Habitat loss, changes to feeding areas and artificial lighting can all make it harder for bats to find suitable places to feed, travel and roost.

The good news is that our gardens and outdoor spaces can make a difference. Creating wildlife-friendly habitats, encouraging more insects, reducing unnecessary lighting and providing suitable bat boxes can all help give bats the food, shelter and dark corridors they need.

This International Bat Night, step outside at dusk, watch the evening sky and discover how you can make your garden a little more welcoming for bats.

National Trust Bat Box Glamis
10% OFF
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11.69 12.99
National Trust Bat Box Arundel
10% OFF
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17.99 19.99
Wooden Bat Box Coucy
10% OFF
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26.99 29.99
Bat Box Beaumaris Midi WoodStone
10% OFF
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40.49 44.99
Bat Box Beaumaris Maxi WoodStone
10% OFF
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44.99 49.99
DIY Bat Box Igor
24% OFF
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15.29 19.99
Bat Box Harlech WoodStone
10% OFF
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31.49 34.99
Bat Box Chillon WoodStone
10% OFF
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35.99 39.99
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How Can I Help Bats?

Make your garden more bat-friendly by adding a pond, allowing some areas to grow wild and reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting. These simple changes encourage insects and create better feeding conditions. You can also provide extra roosting space with a bat box.

I have bats in my roof, what should I do?

Bats and their roosts are protected by law in the UK. If you have bats in your property, avoid disturbing them and seek specialist advice before carrying out work that could affect the roost.

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Find Out More with the Bat Conservation Trust

We spoke to the Bat Conservation Trust about British bats, the challenges they face and how we can help them thrive.

Can bats see?

Yes. Bats are not blind. They can see in low light and also use echolocation to navigate and find insects in the dark.

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Why do bats hang upside down?

Bats have specially adapted feet and tendons that allow them to hang securely with very little effort. Hanging upside down also puts them in a useful position for taking flight.

What do bats eat?

All UK bats eat insects. Gardens with ponds, flowering plants, trees and wilder areas can support the insect life bats rely on for food.

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