Letters: David Gower defends bats

In defence of bats

Sir: I am saddened by the ‘us versus them’ stance taken by Melissa Kite (‘Bats vs people’, 3 August) when referring to bats. I might be better known for wielding a different sort of bat, but I am a strong supporter of the winged variety. These amazing creatures have lived alongside people for centuries but bats are often misunderstood and even persecuted. So let’s set the record straight; bats are a natural British pesticide, eating midges and other pests. But the last century hasn’t been good for bats. We have carelessly destroyed much of their habitat and, although, as Ms Kite noted, they are protected by law, with the challenges bats face they need all the help they can get. In buildings where bats roost their presence often goes unnoticed as they usually roost in small numbers for short periods each year before moving on.

If for any reason the presence of bats is considered problematic, solutions that suit both bats and people can generally be found.