Bechstein’s caught near Westhumble Mines
SWT Ecology Services2021-10-15T10:41:42+00:00The rare Bechstein's at Westhumble Whilst out and about trapping bats with Surrey Bat Group, we caught the rare Bechstein's (Myotis bechsteinii). The UK population is estimated at 21,000 and it's distribution is mainly in southern England. The bat was named after Johann Matthäus Bechstein, a German naturalist who lived from 1757 to 1822. Even over 200 years ago, he was an activist for the protection of animals that were considered to be pests, such as bat species. Further information on the bat can be found here. “It’s been particularly challenging this year because of the unseasonably cold, [...]