International Bat Night 2025: Sink Your Fangs Into Learning About Bats
On the last full weekend of August, more than 30 countries take part in International Bat Night, which this year is running between Saturday 30th August and Sunday 31st August 2025. Organised by Eurobats, the event is aimed to shed a light on the way that bats live and their needs through presentations, bat walks and exhibitions. Find out more about bats below and their role in our ecosystem.
Why are bats important?
Bats play an essential role in many environments around the world. Some plants depend partly or wholly on bats to pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds, while other bats also help control pests by eating insects. Some bats are 'indicator species' in the UK because changes to these bat populations can indicate changes in biodiversity aspects. Bats might suffer when there are problems with insect populations (because our bats feed on insects) or when habitats are destroyed or poorly managed (for example, some bats only live in extensive woodlands).
How many species of bat do we have in the UK?
Here in the UK, we have 18 species of bat in total. The one you're most likely to spot is the pipistrelle bat. A small brown bat weighing just 5 grams can eat thousands of insects in just one night. Other species of bat in the UK include Brown Long-Eared bats, Natterer's bats and the elusive Barbastelle bat.
Where do bats live?
Bats live in roosts during the day. These roosts differ with the seasons, and bats will often move around to find roosts that meet the conditions they require. Many bats will shelter inside. Some bats prefer caves and hollow trees and will use both at different times of the year. In the winter, bats will seek out and use hibernation roosts. Bats do hibernate here in the UK, an extended period of inactivity or deep sleep that allows bats to survive harsh weather and cold winters. They live off on the fat they have stored up during the summer months and need to find roosts that remain at a constant, cool temperature, usually underground at sites such as caves.
How can I help bats?
Bats use our gardens as an important source of food, water and shelter. This is why it is important to keep our gardens in good shape. Keeping it dark without use of too many artificial lights will attract more bats into your gardens, and should be kept away from where bats eat or any pathways where they fly. Planting nectar-rich plants and pale, night-scented flowers such as evening primrose and hemp agrimony will also tempt them into your outside space. You can also provide shelter for them by installing a bat box in your garden. We sell a multitude of bat boxes, starting from the Chavenage Bat Box, ranging up to the Vincent Pro Bat Box. These boxes will provide a safe and secure place for bats to rest away from predators. We also offer the Original Bat Box and the Conservation Bat Box.
How can I get involved with International Bat Night?
This annual event offers some fantastic opportunities in your local area to learn more about these flying mammals. You can find local events by going to the Eurobats website here* including bat walks and observation, educational events and festivals. It is also worth looking to see if any events are taking place in your local parks and wildlife areas.
*Please note The Wildlife Community is not responsible for links outside of our website.
Illustration by Eleanor Raven 2025.