USUALLY at this time of year gardeners are constantly battling 24/7 with pesticides to keep the insects from destroying prized plants, flowers and vegetables.

Pesticides are a quick control method travelling up the food chain causing our important species to decline. Instead of using pesticides why not encourage a shift pattern of natural pest controllers.

Birds feed on insects during the day so why not invite bats to do the job at night?

Why bats?

Well these wee, furry flying mammals are a gardener’s friend; in certain parts of the world they are important pollinators and 70% of the world’s bats are insect eaters.

Britain has 17 species but the most common and smallest bat is the Pipistrelle bat and in ancient times it was known as a flittermouse because of the jerky flying movements.

UK bats and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 so if you plan to do house renovations make sure you check for them and seek advice if you have them.

Did you know a single pipistrelle bat can live for 16 years consuming up 17 million midges and flies in its lifetime.

In other word’s eating a third of their weight in one night - that’s a lot of insects which means a reduction of larva and grubs eating our vegetables and flowers.

The female bats give birth to a live pup in late June to early August and can locate them by call and hearing and by 4 weeks the young bats can fly.

They hibernate mid - November to early April so putting up several bat boxes will encourage them to stay around. Unfortunately bats are steadily declining because of habitat loss, intensive farming and pesticides.

Glasgow has recorded seven species including the Common Pipistrelle.

As nightshift workers they emerge from their roosts in buildings just before sunset, flying and feeding in the tree canopy of woodlands and over rivers but to get there safely and without predation they use our gardens as linear routes.

Eco-friendly gardens no matter or big or small should invest in a variety of seasonal annual, biennial and night scented plants like evening primrose, jasmine, soapwort, cornflower and climbers such as honeysuckle and ivy to attract insects.

Choose nectar rich, native and single flowers rather than double heads, non-natives and exotics.

Herbs such as Lavender, Rosemary and Thyme will always be a winner.

Native trees such as Hazel and Goat Willow can be used in the smallest of gardens.

These can be coppiced – cut back to the ground- every few years.

A mixed hedge of Hawthorn and Blackthorn will provide food, and shelter for insects and larva but also provide roosting sites for bats and birds.

Introducing a garden pond planted with marginal plants like marsh marigold and water mint is an oasis which will attract insects and provide a wildlife drinking station.

Contrary to myths, bats don’t tangle in hair or suck blood but instead are a fascinating and important species. They are important pollinators; even their guano (poo) is used as a fertiliser for the soil in South America. The species even have a plant named after them … Bat plant.

If you fancy a guided walk looking for these amazing flying mammals in August contact the Countryside Ranger Service on 0141 276 0927.

If you find a bat contact Countryside Ranger or The Bat Conservation Trust www.bats.org.uk.