Little
was previously known about the bats using the Loose valley, the two surveys
undertaken this year were truly recording the unknown. On two evening in the
summer local volunteers and Kent Bat group members were stationed from Tovil to
Loose village surveying for bats.
Bat numbers have declined nationally, the reasons for this decline are many, from the reduction in insect prey abundance due to high intensity farming and inappropriate habitat management to loss of roosts in trees and buildings. For example the removal of hedges and the changes in grassland management has led to the reduction in insects, their food.
The valley has a good mix of rough unmanaged grassland, semi-improved pasture, woodland, streams and ponds all valuable for wildlife forming an important ‘wildlife corridor’. The valley, with the Loose stream, numerous millponds, woodlands, gardens and grazing land has good foraging and roosting potential for bats.
Five species of bats were recorded in the survey; 45 kHz, 55 kHz pipistrelles, Daubenton, Noctule and Serotines bringing the species total to 6 to include Natterers which are known to use the valley. Over 240 bat passes were recorded on the 2 evenings with bats commuting along the valley and feeding over the millponds, fields and Loose Stream. There were several areas of high feeding activity and four potential roosts recorded in buildings.
The six species recorded in the valley all have slightly different preferences for roosting and areas for feeding. The type of prey taken is also different reflecting the size of the bat. The noctule and serotine the larger of the British bats take larger beetles and moths compared to the pipistrelle taking smaller insects (midges for example). The different preferences and size avoids competition between the bats.
One of the most important species is the serotine which is found in the South of England (with Kent a stronghold). Serotines were recorded passing along the valley in the more open grazed area. Their typical habitat is mainly open country, parkland, woodland and hedgerows all found along the Loose valley. Their relatively slow, looping flight is a recognisable feature along with their echolocation frequency on the bat detector.
The noctule, also recorded in the survey has a faster higher flight with narrow wings. The noctule bat is usually the earliest species of bat to be seen flying in the evening, often emerging before sunset, when its golden brown fur can be seen in a good light. These bats can fly as fast as 50km per hour and can travel great distances to feed. They fly above the tree canopy and make sudden dives to ground catching their prey before regaining height. Preferring woodland habitats the area of the valley around Great Ivy Mill is ideal.
The millponds and stream with large number of insects are important foraging areas for bats such as the Daubenton and pipistrelle. The pipistrelle is one of the smaller bats often seen flying around urban gardens and around streetlights.
With the valley having such a wealth of habitats and historic buildings the area is very valuable for bats. This information recorded in the surveys will feed into management plans for sites along the valley to encourage the management of the area for bats and other wildlife.
It
is hoped to complete the survey next summer covering the Boughton Monchelsea end
of the valley.
