Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Watch out for bats this Halloween

by Ethos public relations

If you are planning to be in the Within Grove area this Halloween – watch out for bats!

Housing Association Hyndburn Homes has recently re-housed some local bats which it discovered in one of its empty properties.

Brian French, Project Supervisor from Hyndburn Homes, said: “We were recently carrying out an inspection of an empty home when we spotted evidence of bats living in the property. Bats are a protected species and so we immediately contacted the Bat Conservation Trust to ask their advice. They put us in touch with local experts Bowland Ecology who came to see our bats for themselves.”

The ecologists carefully removed the bats from the house and checked they were fit and well. As a protected species it was important the bats presence went on record.

Ellen Partrington from Bowland Ecology gave Hyndburn Homes advice on keeping the bats safe and the company has now purchased bat boxes to put up in the area to keep the bats safe and to attract new ones.

“Hyndburn Homes did exactly the right thing in protecting these amazing animals,” she said. “Many companies just ignore bats or disturb their habitat and so it is nice to see a company taking such care of these little ones.”

Bats are an important part of our natural environment. There are 18 species of bat in the UK (17 of which are known to be breeding here), and all of which are protected by law. At this time of year bats are starting to seek out suitable sites for hibernation. These are cool, quiet places like holes in trees or disused buildings.

“Bats don’t suck your blood or fly into your hair,” said Susan Howarth, Customer Liaison Manager for the company. “They are docile creatures who avoid contact with humans so if you do fancy a bit of bat watching this Halloween – you will be perfectly safe.”

Posted at 25^th October 2010