Latest news with #SeatonWetlands
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Rare grey long-eared bat discovered at Devon's Seaton Wetlands
One of the UK's rarest mammals - a grey long-eared bat - has been discovered at a nature reserve in species, which had not been seen at Seaton Wetlands since 2013, was spotted at a guided bat walk event there earlier this long-eared bats are incredibly rare, according to Wild East Devon, which manages 10 nature reserves. Fewer than 1,000 of them are thought to remain across the UK, it said. "The diversity of bats at Seaton Wetlands is a strong sign of a thriving and healthy ecosystem," said Professor Fiona Matthews, chair of Mammal Conservation Europe. Exceptionally large ears Grey long-eared bats, known as Plecotus austriacus, are identified by their exceptionally large ears and distinguished from the more common brown long-eared bat by their "thumb size", Wild East Devon said."Seaton Wetlands and a few other local patches of farmland in East Devon offer a species-rich wet grassland, supporting the moths, crane flies and midges which bats rely heavily to feed on, making it the perfect place for the grey long-eared to forage," the organisation Mathews said bats were a "vital part" of the UK's native wildlife. "They are an indicator species, meaning their presence tells us a lot about the health of the environment," she said. A 'fantastic accolade' The discovery was a "fantastic accolade for the district", according to Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Nature and Climate."It demonstrates the remarkable work the East Devon District Council Countryside Team undertake to support wildlife restoration and conservation at each of our nature reserves," he East Devon said 14 of the 16 bat species found in Devon have been recorded at the Seaton site, including other rarities like Bechstein's bat, greater horseshoe and natures reserves are managed by Wild East Devon, from Axminster to Exmouth, including the award-winning Seaton Wetlands.
BBC News
07-06-2025
- BBC News
Explore bats, moths and more at Devon nature events
From twilight bat walks to early morning moth discoveries, nature enthusiasts in East Devon will have the chance to learn more about wildlife in their local area with a number of Wild East Devon programme is "packed with opportunities to get up close with some of the area's wildlife", the East Devon District Council highlights are bat walks at Seaton Wetlands, where participants use detectors to listen for calls from 14 recorded species, including the rare Bechstein's and grey long-eared bats. "From traditional crafts such as willow weaving and spoon carving to immersive wildlife experiences, there's something for everyone," countryside manager James Chubb said. Also new this year are moth and muffin mornings, which will "provide attendees with the chance to discover the beauty of moths and the staggering diversity of species found at Seaton Wetlands", the council Trinity Hill, nightjar walks will guide visitors through dusk landscapes in search of the elusive, ground-nesting nightjar, known for its haunting events include:Willow Garden Owl, Saturday 7 June, Seaton WetlandsSpoon Carving for Beginners, Saturday 14 June, Seaton WetlandsSeaton Wetlands Summer Holiday Club, 4–8 August
