By Isle of Wight Observer
Creekside WI marked its 58th year in style this month, with chocolate-orange cake and a fascinating visit from the Isle of Wight Bat Hospital.
Guest speaker, Donna, brought along two special companions – Jason Bourne, found at Carisbrooke Priory, and Francine, who charmed members with their tiny faces and twitching ears. Donna’s talk was packed with facts, delivered with enthusiasm and humour, and ended with the chance to meet and photograph the bats.
The Isle of Wight Bat Hospital has been rescuing and rehabilitating bats for 30 years. Volunteers care for injured or orphaned bats, release them when possible, and provide lifelong sanctuary when needed. They also give talks to raise awareness of these often-misunderstood mammals.
Members learned that bats have excellent eyesight, can swim (but may drown if they can’t escape), and have skeletons similar to ours, adapted for flight. A single pipistrelle can eat up to 1,000 midges a night. Baby bats are born tiny – the size of a fingernail – and need feeding every two hours. Mothers carry their young for around 10 days and can identify their own baby in a crowded roost.
They were also told that UK bats eat insects, while other species around the world feed on fruit, nectar, fish or, in the case of vampire bats, a teaspoon of blood a night – but never from human necks.
For bat emergencies, contact the IOW Bat Hospital on 01983 406756.
