About

Nik Knight is County Recorder for Bats in Hampshire and is well known for his work on surveys, welfare and conservation.

Bats are the only true flying mammal, and account for more than a quarter of mammal species in the UK. However, there has been a significant decline in the UK bat population over the last century. This may be due to building work which affects roosts, loss of habitat, or the lack of insects - as well as disruption by light sources, wind turbines or pollution.

Modern technology does make it easier to know what is flying, though, by listening in on bats' echo location.

Nik has all the latest records and will disclose what can be found on Portsdown Hill.