Batspotting for beginners - four British bats

Bats are active from April, and UK bat groups hold walks through the spring and summer – see bats.org.uk for info. Or try a bat safari along the river Cam with scudamores.com.

Illustrations: Ben Lamb for the Guardian

Common pipistrelle
Across the UK
The most widespread of British species. Roosts in the crevices of buildings. Appears 20 minutes after sunset and stays up all night

Brown long-eared
Across the UK
Curls its ears, which are as long as its body, behind it in flight. Found in woodland, parks and gardens. Roosts in barns and churches.

Daubenton's
Across the UK
Flies low over water, searching for insects. Red-brown fur and pink face. Roosts in tunnels, bridges, or buildings.

Noctule
England and Wales
Sometimes emerges before sunset. Flies high in the open, with repeated steep dives when chasing insects, reaching speeds of 30 mph.