Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Two new studies across England and Wales reveal an astonishing increase in bat activity in beaver wetlands - thanks to the way beavers shape habitats for both bats and their insect prey.
All 18 British bat species are insectivorous, which means they feed on insects, many of which begin life in water. When beavers create ponds and channels, they boost aquatic insect populations and, in turn, provide rich feeding grounds for bats.
In one Devon site, researchers recorded 43% higher bat activity where beavers were present, alongside a staggering 817% increase in aquatic larvae abudance. A second study across 12 reintroduction areas found that species like pipistrelles, Daubenton’s and noctules were 21–54% more active in beaver wetlands, while woodland specialists such as barbastelles and long-eared bats showed a massive 313–393% increase.
By slowing water, opening flight lines, and feeding entire food webs, beavers aren’t just reshaping landscapes - they’re giving Britain’s bats a much-needed boost.
This short film was produced by Aleks Domanski for Beaver Trust
Find out more about the science behind how beaver wetlands benefit bats by visiting our dedicated science database 👇
lnkd.in/eSZxkW-u
#BatWeek #BatAppreciationWeek
Two new studies across England and Wales reveal an astonishing increase in bat activity in beaver wetlands - thanks to the way beavers shape habitats for both bats and their insect prey.
All 18 British bat species are insectivorous, which means they feed on insects, many of which begin life in water. When beavers create ponds and channels, they boost aquatic insect populations and, in turn, provide rich feeding grounds for bats.
In one Devon site, researchers recorded 43% higher bat activity where beavers were present, alongside a staggering 817% increase in aquatic larvae abudance. A second study across 12 reintroduction areas found that species like pipistrelles, Daubenton’s and noctules were 21–54% more active in beaver wetlands, while woodland specialists such as barbastelles and long-eared bats showed a massive 313–393% increase.
By slowing water, opening flight lines, and feeding entire food webs, beavers aren’t just reshaping landscapes - they’re giving Britain’s bats a much-needed boost.
This short film was produced by Aleks Domanski for Beaver Trust
Find out more about the science behind how beaver wetlands benefit bats by visiting our dedicated science database 👇
lnkd.in/eSZxkW-u
#BatWeek #BatAppreciationWeek
