Bats, the only true flying mammals, are delightful and shy creatures of the twilight and night time.

Unfortunately, throughout the centuries they have suffered from prejudice and even persecution because of the many ill-founded myths surrounding them.

In recent decades, however, people’s interest in them has changed towards observation and conservation.

A lot remains to be discovered, though, as bats’ quiet, nocturnal lifestyle makes their movements challenging to monitor.

Bats have been around for over 50 million years and they can be found everywhere on the planet, apart from the Polar Regions.

There are approximately 1,000 species of bat worldwide, 17 of which are found in Great Britain.

All Britain’s bats require a steady source of water and insects, as well as shelter throughout the year.

Bats don’t build nests, but live in roosts. Most common roosting places are trees, buildings and underground sites.

Loss of natural habitat has made bats increasingly dependent on urban environments, where they can be more vulnerable.

Threats include development and excessive night time lighting of buildings and public places, which disturbs their feeding.

Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind. When foraging at night, though, they don’t depend on this ability but use a remarkable, sonar-like system known as echolocation.

Bats emit high frequency sounds, impossible for humans to hear, as they fly that come back as echoes and enable them to locate prey.

Despite their small size, bats have huge appetites – they can eat as many as 3,000 midges a night.

In winter, when insect populations are greatly reduced, bats go into hibernation between October and March, waking only during warm spells.

Common hibernation places are trees and underground locations such as caves and tunnels.

In summer, large groups of females gather together in ‘maternity roosts’ and give birth in the early summer.

The youngsters learn to fly when they are a few weeks old.

Dramatic declines in bat numbers in the last century are of great concern to conservationists.

Bats are protected by law and if you think you might have a roost in your house, contact Natural England on 01929 557450.

If you find a sick or injured bat, contact The Dorset Bat Group helpline on 0845 1300 228.