Summer is one of the best times to meet nature ‘after dark’. As the sun sets, bats emerge from their daytime roosts and swoop around the canopy of the oak trees searching for moths and flies. Very lucky wildlife watchers could see a barn owl hunting for voles along the river bank.
Barn owl hunting over the brooks by Howard Kearley
At least 10 species of bat can be seen (or detected) here including common and soprano pipistrelles, large serotines and the rare barbastelle bat. The combination of woodland and wetland, all connected by hedgerows and meadows makes for perfect bat habitat with somewhere to roost and somewhere to feed (and a safe route to commute between the two).
We’ve recorded nearly 600 species of moths here at the reserve and there are so many different shapes, sizes, colours and patterns. My current favourites are the black arches moth who has the most incredible feathery antennae, and the buff tip who is the perfect mimic of a silver birch twig.
Black arches moth by Carey Lodge
Buff tip moth by Carey Lodge
We have a ‘magnificent moths and brilliant bats’ themed night-time safari in August when you could encounter these fascinating creatures.
Night-time safari – 20 August 2022 -book your tickets here
If you’re feeling more adventurous, our friends at RSPB Farnham Heath are hosting a very special Big Wild Sleepout event on 30 July.
Badger by Mark Crisp
Nightjar by Mark Crisp
You’ll pitch up in a secret part of the reserve where only the wildlife is usually allowed. Cook up dinner on our BBQs and explore special Wild Zones for minibeasts before heading out on sunset wildlife walks. Back at the campsite there’ll be a ‘nature quiz’ around the campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast.
Find out more and book your tickets here