Bats
Bats are not only amazing animals to watch, they are also a good environmental indicator as they are a top predator feeding on a range of common nocturnal insects.
Find out more about some of the bat species you are most likely to encounter in the Forest’s woods.
Natterer's Bat
Look out for their white bellies at night as they fly overhead.
![Close up shot of a Natterer's bat in flight](/sites/default/files/styles/index_image/public/2021-04/Natterers%20bat_3.jpg?itok=VKdKC3Sf)
Leisler's Bat
Look out for this fast-flying species hunting around the tree-packed areas of the Forest at sunset.
![Close up of a Leisler's bat resting on stone](/sites/default/files/styles/index_image/public/2021-04/Leislers%20bat_4.jpg?itok=Wyhsa0EU)
Daubenton's Bat
See this fast and agile bat hunting over our Forest ponds, scooping up insects in its large wings and tail.
![Daubenton's bat in flight](/sites/default/files/styles/index_image/public/2021-04/Daubentons-bat-web_2.jpg?itok=YmE3UH5e)
Common Pipistrelle Bat
The smallest of all British bats and the species you are most likely to spot in the Forest, the common pipistrelle prefers deciduous woodland and farmland near to water.
![Common pipistrelle bat resting on a stone](/sites/default/files/styles/index_image/public/2021-04/Common-Pipistrelle-bat-web_2.jpg?itok=veBzJzX9)
Noctule Bat
Our largest bat, these strong and fast flyers can be seen flying at dusk, feeding on insects over the tree canopy in the Forest.
![Close up of a Noctule bat resting in a tree hole](/sites/default/files/styles/index_image/public/2021-04/Noctule%20bat%20%282%29.jpg?itok=QNZGAb4J)
Lesser Horseshoe Bat
Not to be confused with the Greater Horseshoe Bat, these bats can be spotted hunting low over open areas of the Forest between April-October.
![Close up of a Lesser Horseshoe Bat's face](/sites/default/files/styles/index_image/public/2021-04/Lesser%20horsehoe%20bat_1.jpg?itok=tiedm7ck)