Bats get a bad reputation sometimes so I wish to raise awareness and get people to realise that we need them in order to survive.

Bats play an important role in many habitats around the world. Some tropical plants depend partly or wholly on certain bat species to pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds, while many bats, including all British species, help control insects by feeding on them. In the UK, some bats are ‘indicator species’, because changes to these bat populations can indicate changes in aspects of biodiversity. Bats might suffer when there are declines in insect populations (because our bats feed on insects) or when habitats are destroyed or poorly managed (for example, some bats only live in large or old woodlands).

Many people are unaware that over 500 plant species rely on bats to pollinate their flowers, including species of mango, banana, durian, guava and agave (used to make tequila). So, next time you drink some tequila or eat a mango, say thanks to the bats! The pollination of plants by bats is called chiropterophily.

Over 70% of all bat species feed on insects and as such play an important role in controlling insect numbers. UK bats do not suck your blood – but they will help clear the air of bloodsucking mosquitoes!

All bats in the UK are insectivores – they only eat insects. Insect-eating bats are great for keeping bugs away from crops and gardens. The Brazilian free-tailed bat has been recognised as an important “insect management service” in cotton farming. Because bats eat so many insects in some regions, they can also reduce the need for pesticide sprays.

While bats can provide a valuable service for agriculture, some agricultural practices can have a detrimental impact on bats. Increased use of pesticides may mean that bats go hungry from the lack of insect prey. The destruction of hedgerows and woods in farmland is also concerning, as bats rely on these features for roosting, hunting and getting around.

Like birds, some bats play a critical role in spreading the seeds of trees and other plants. Some tropical fruit bats carry seeds inside them as they digest the fruit, then excrete the seeds far away from the original tree. These seeds drop to the ground in their own ready-made fertiliser, which helps them germinate and grow. Because bats help pollinate and disperse seeds, they can even play an important part in helping regrowth after forest clearance.