Bats in hibernation
Bats are one of the only mammals in the UK to truly hibernate during the coldest months of the year (normally October to March). They are able to slow their heart rate down from as much as 1000 beats per minute down to around only 20. Their body temperature can drop down to only a few degrees above ambient temperatures. This slowing of their metabolism allows them to conserve the fat reserves they have put on over summer. This is essential for their survival over winter when there are few insects for them to feed on.

New roost sites
So as spring returns, the days get warmer and insect numbers increase, the bats will emerge from their winter hibernation spot (hibernacula). Now is a good time to put up new roosting boxes and clean out old ones - provided they aren’t being used as hibernacula. Bats seem to prefer to occupy south or east facing boxes that catch the morning sun in spring. But this preference changes as the it gets warmer so if putting up new boxes, a selection of positions should be chosen - bats will change their roost sites even on a night-to-night basis. For more information on choosing bat boxes see Siting a bat box.

Gardening for bats
Give those hungry bats something tasty to eat when they emerge from hibernation - planting evening/night scented plants will attract nocturnal insect life to your garden and this will attract foraging bats. Building a pond in your garden will also encourage insects to entice the bats.