News

Rare barbastelle bat discovered at Sutton Hoo amid thriving population

One of the UK's rarest bat species has been detected at Sutton Hoo, where researchers have recorded hundreds of nightly bat movements across up to 10 different species.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

Oliver Rouane-Williams

— 3 min read
A collage of images, including a pipistrelle bat, students working on the project and project team

Why it matters: Suffolk and Norfolk are considered strongholds for the rare barbastelle bat in the UK, with Sutton Hoo now confirmed as a key habitat for this protected species.

The big picture: The discovery comes as part of a citizen science project led by Transition Woodbridge in partnership with the University of Suffolk, which has expanded from monitoring bat populations in Woodbridge to include the National Trust site.

A common pipistrelle bat
A common pipistrelle bat (National Trust)

By the numbers:

  • Up to 900 movements per night of common pipistrelle bats recorded at some parts of the site
  • 9-10 different bat species detected out of the UK's 18 species
  • 80 audio devices placed in gardens around Woodbridge
  • 16 detectors positioned at Sutton Hoo for two-week periods

What they're saying: "To most people Sutton Hoo is the burial site of an Anglo-Saxon ship but it's also fantastic for bats and is brilliantly managed for nurturing wildlife," said Dr Mark Bowler, Course Leader in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science at the University of Suffolk.

"Bat numbers are in decline but Sutton Hoo's bat population is doing really well."

On the barbastelle bat, Dr Bowler added: "Suffolk and Norfolk are really the stronghold for the rare barbastelle bat. They are low in density which makes them hard to find, but we find them regularly at Sutton Hoo so it's a great conservation good-news story in our county."

Dr Mark Bowler from the University of Suffolk, Sutton Hoo’s Jonathan Plews, Jane Healey from Transition Woodbridge and Deborah Pratt from Transition Woodbridge with one of the bat detectors at Sutton Hoo
Dr Mark Bowler from the University of Suffolk, Sutton Hoo’s Jonathan Plews, Jane Healey from Transition Woodbridge and Deborah Pratt from Transition Woodbridge with one of the bat detectors at Sutton Hoo Photo: Mark Bowler

How it works: The partnership first started collecting data in 2022, using audio devices attached to wooden poles to detect bat movements. The recordings are then analysed by computer algorithms to determine the species, with university students manually verifying the results.

Matt Wilson, Countryside Manager for the National Trust's Suffolk and Essex portfolio, said: "The survey results are even better than we thought they might be, with audio from nine-to-ten of the UK's 18 species recorded. It's great to know that both common and rarer bat species, like the barbastelle, are thriving here at Sutton Hoo."

What's next: The partnership is expanding its work with schools, including primary schools in Woodbridge, having secured funding from East Suffolk Council on behalf of the Greenprint Forum to install bat boxes to further improve their grounds for bats.

University of Suffolk Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science students Daniel Beckett, Grace Tinklin and Skye Landells analysing the audio recordings
University of Suffolk Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science students Daniel Beckett, Grace Tinklin and Skye Landells analysing the audio recordings Photo: Mark Bowler

Dr Bowler is also keen for sixth forms and colleges to get involved in the project to survey bats on school grounds and promote an interest in ecology.

The bottom line: For those in the area who are keen to support bat species, homeowners can encourage bats to visit their gardens by installing ponds, or planting trees – particularly native species – as well as plants which attract insects.

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