ENVIRONMENTAL measures farmers are putting in place for birds and bees could be instrumental to the recovery of bats, a study has revealed.

Over the past year, scientists at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) have been studying bats across Dorset and Hampshire to understand how farming practices affect them.

AgriBats, a project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has revealed that providing agri-environment scheme (AES) habitats, such as wild bird seed plots or pollen and nectar plots, can benefit a range of bat species. All 18 species of bat found in Britain feed on insects such a midges, beetles and moths, and the GWCT says habitats that support a wealth of insects could aid the country's bat populations.

Over the study, more than 10,000 bat recordings were taken on 15 farms.

Recordings included several uncommon species such as barbastelles, Nathusis’ pipistrelles, lesser horseshoe and greater horseshoe bats. More than 90,000 insects were identified from the same habitats, to understand why bats might be attracted to specific AES.

Several European bat species experienced declines during the 20th century due to a combination of factors, including loss of roost and feeding sites.

GWCT postdoctoral ecologist Niamh McHugh, who managed the project, said: "We hope to take these findings to government to showcase and champion what farmers can deliver.

"Bats are often overlooked when people think of farmland, but we hope this project will help landowners to learn how to better conserve these fascinating creatures and will result in positive changes in land management practices nationwide."