17/04/2026
🦇 Today is International Bat Day! 🦇
You may be surprised to learn that there are 10 species of bats commonly found across Scotland. International Bat Day is held on the 17 April to mark when most bat species come out of their winter hibernation in the northern hemisphere. Bats are amazing flying nocturnal mammals that hunt and eat insects using echolocation. While there are 10 species in Scotland, you are most likely to see Pipistrelle bats in and around the park . They are widespread across Scotland and are the smallest of the bat species that call Clyde Muirshiel home. It is estimated that one Pipistrelle bat will consume over 3000 tiny midges per night! Needless to say, we appreciate the dent they make in the local midge population!
All species of bats in Scotland are protected by law, but they still face huge challenges such as habitat loss and climate change. Today is a great reminder of why they matter — and why looking after roosts, old trees, woodlands and wetlands helps safeguard their future. Tomorrow the Greenock Cut conservation volunteers are working with our Inverclyde Rangers to make bat boxes that we will be placed around the park to provide additional roosting spaces.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Inverclyde Rangers there are Saturday sessions 1030 to 1430 at the Greenock Cut Centre and weekday sessions with the Renfrewshire Rangers. For more information – Inverclyde - [email protected] or Renfrewshire - [email protected]
