Record roost of 61 pipistrelle bats

The largest roost of pipistrelle bats in the UK has been found, revealing previously unknown information about the species’ hibernation habits.

Sixty-one pipistrelle were found in stone crevices and in the arches of a balcony at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland just before repair and conservation work to the building.

They were found in arid, relatively well-lit areas of the 18th Century building – confounding a long-held belief that they prefer to hibernate in dark and damp conditions.

Tina Wiffen, a bat ecologist, said it was likely there were more in other crevices at the hall: “The site will be closely monitored to ensure they can continue to use it as their winter roost.”

There have been bats at Seaton Delaval for hundreds of years and it is thought they began to roost there after a fire in 1822 left the hall without a roof for more than 40 years.

Samantha Herbert