Thriving bat population detected at Sutton Hoo

A rare bat species has been found among a thriving population at a site famous for the unearthing of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship.

Sixteen detectors were placed at Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, over the past two summers by a local environmental group working with the University of Suffolk.

The common pipistrelle was the most prominent species and the barbastelle, a species which the Bat Conservation Trust considers to be rare in the UK, was also detected.

Mark Bowler, course leader in wildlife, ecology and conservation science at the university, said the National Trust site was "fantastic for bats and brilliantly managed for nurturing wildlife".

Referring to the barbastelles, he said: "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."

The detectors recorded up to 900 movements per night in some areas of the historic site.

Matt Wilson, countryside manager for the National Trust in Suffolk and Essex, said: "The survey results are even better than we thought they might be, with audio from nine to 10 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."

Transition Woodbridge, working with university staff and students, had previously detected barbastelles and nine other bat species in people's gardens in the town.

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