On Thursday 6th August 2026, Geckoella joined forces with WWT, the wetland charity at Huntspill National Nature Reserve (NNR) for a bat trapping survey. Led by Samuel Olney Director and Principal Ecologist at Gordano Ecology Ltd and WWT lead Alice Beaney, the session provided surveyors with hands-on experience in advanced licensed techniques while gathering crucial ecological baseline data.
Previous static detector surveys recorded an impressive 11 species across the site; including Barbastelle, Greater Horseshoe, and Lesser Horseshoe bats. However, acoustic data alone cannot distinguish cryptic species* or assess reproductive status. Trapping fills this gap allowing surveyors to get close to the subject to apply their knowledge and experience.
The session proved a resounding success: 21 bats across five species were safely trapped, including Soprano Pipistrelle, Common Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared (see photo), Serotine, and Daubenton’s bat. The presence of breeding individuals indicates nearby maternity roosts thus signifying the site’s high conservation value.
*Cryptic species are groups of organisms that look and behave alike but are a different species, have different genetic codes and cannot interbreed.
Featured image is a close up of a Brown Long-eared Bat showing distinctive long ears with narrow tragus.
Samuel inspecting the traps
Close-up inspection of the bat’s wing membrane
A bat caught safely in the trap
