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Not just for Halloween: why bats matter more than you think

“Twinkle, twinkle little bat,

 How I wonder what you’re at!

Up above the world you fly,

Like a tea-tray in the sky.” – Lewis Carroll

As the day draws to a close and the sun sinks below the horizon, a quiet changing of the guard happens in the skies on summer evenings in Britain. As the swifts settle down, bats begin to take flight. At dusk, you can often see noctule bats mingling with the swifts, sharing the sky for brief moments before the night shift takes over.

Yet for all their aerial acrobatics and ecological importance, bats are some of the most misunderstood creatures in British wildlife. Cast as sinister symbols like vampires, associated with diseases, and the subject of tales about getting stuck in hair, bats are actually vital for keeping insect populations in check and maintaining ecological balance.

So let’s start by dispelling five of the top bat-related myths:

  1. Bats eat fruit/drink blood
    Some tropical bats do, but all that UK bats eat is insects. They’re nature’s pest control, eating midges, mosquitoes and other flying insects.
  2. “Blind as a bat”
    Bats are not blind. They have good eyesight and use echolocation to navigate in low light, making them far better at “seeing” in the dark than we are.
  3. Bats get stuck in your hair
    Bats are agile flyers and use echolocation to detect their environment and prey. The chance of a bat getting tangled in your hair is incredibly slim. If a bat gets close, it’s likely catching an insect near you.
  4. Bats stop development/building projects
    It’s highly unusual for bats to stop development. When surveys are included in planning, timescales can be managed. If roosts are present, measures can be put in place to protect bats while allowing development to proceed.
  5. Bats chew cables, build nests, spread disease, and are pests
    Bats don’t chew cables or build nests. They’re clean and spend time grooming. The only disease transferable to humans in Britain is rabies, which is incredibly rare. Less than 0.5% of bats tested since 1985 carried the virus. The risk is very low, but if bitten or scratched, wash the area and contact a doctor.

Why are bats protected?
Bat populations have declined due to habitat loss and changes in land use. Bats only have one pup a year, so recovery is slow. They’re protected by law because of their importance and vulnerability. Bats are nature’s pest control—some can eat around 2,000 mosquitoes per night. Without them, we’d be overrun with biting insects.

How you can help bats
Plant night-scented flowers, keep ponds open, and install bat boxes to help bats. Reducing outdoor lighting also helps, as artificial light can disorient bats. If you have bats roosting at home, enjoy their quiet company and the benefits they bring.

So, while Halloween might be when bats take centre stage, they’re working hard for us every night. By protecting bats and their habitats, we help create a richer, more balanced natural world—one where the flutter of wings at dusk is something to celebrate, not fear.

 

 Blog written by Matt Wall – Senior Planning Ecologist at South Staffordshire District Council 

Sunrise over Winter forest with large pine trees, England, UK

Nature recovery in action: lessons from Cannock Chase

As we shape Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, we’re inspired by the powerful example set by Cannock Chase National Landscape. Their 2024–2025 Annual Review is a testament to what’s possible when communities, landowners, and organisations come together to restore nature, and connect people with the landscape.

Rewilding and species recovery

From the return of adders and common lizards to the careful planting of 1,200 marsh violets to support the rare small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly, Cannock Chase is showing how targeted habitat restoration can reverse species decline. Projects like these, supported by the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, demonstrate the importance of evidence-led conservation and collaborative land management.

Ancient trees and helpful heifers

The halo-thinning of ancient oaks in Brocton Coppice and the reintroduction of grazing cattle to heathland corridors are helping to create resilient, biodiverse habitats. These efforts not only protect heritage trees but also support a mosaic of vegetation that benefits reptiles, birds, and pollinators.

Water and peatland protection

Surveys of forest streams have revealed both the richness and vulnerability of aquatic invertebrate life, while new mapping of peat deposits is guiding future restoration. With 20.1 hectares of confirmed peat and nearly 88 hectares identified for further investigation, Cannock Chase is positioning itself as a key player in carbon storage and climate resilience.

Connecting people with nature

From star-gazing events with Scouts to inclusive cycling and tactile maps for visually impaired visitors, Cannock Chase is making nature accessible to all. Their ‘Access for All’ projects are a model for how we can ensure everyone feels welcome in our landscapes.

Investing in the future

With a £10 million investment in a new Discovery Centre at Marquis Drive and the transformation of the Chase Heritage Trail through digital storytelling, Cannock Chase is blending innovation with tradition. These projects enhance visitor experience while reducing pressure on sensitive habitats.

A shared vision for recovery

The newly adopted 2025–2030 Management Plan sets out bold goals for Cannock Chase: protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030, and reinforcing the area’s unique sense of place. These ambitions align closely with our own Local Nature Recovery Strategy, offering a blueprint for action across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

few honeybee and butterfly on lavender flowers in panoramic view

Late summer biodiversity in Staffordshire

As August settles in, Staffordshire’s landscapes are alive with subtle yet vital ecological activity. Late summer is a time of transition – when wildlife prepares for the coming autumn and nature offers one last burst of colour and life.

Butterflies, bees and blooms

Staffordshire’s meadows and nature reserves, such as Loynton Moss and Doxey Marshes, are buzzing with pollinators. Look out for red admirals, painted ladies, and peacock butterflies feeding on late-flowering plants like thistles and knapweed 

These blooms are essential for sustaining pollinators as nectar sources begin to fade.

Birds on the Wing

August marks the start of migration for species like swifts, house martins, and warblers. Wetland areas such as Cannock Chase and the River Sow corridor are hotspots for birdwatching. You might even spot stonechats and kingfishers darting along riverbanks 

Seeds, fungi and future growth

Native plants are now setting seed, preparing for regeneration. Late summer also sees the first signs of fungi emerging in shaded woodlands, an early hint of autumn’s arrival. These processes are vital for soil health and biodiversity.

Wildlife on the move

Hedgehogs, bats, and amphibians are actively feeding and seeking shelter. Providing log piles, leaf litter, and undisturbed corners in gardens and parks can support these species as they prepare for hibernation.

Late summer in Staffordshire is a time of quiet brilliance. A moment to appreciate the resilience of nature and the role we all play in its recovery.

few honeybee and butterfly on lavender flowers in panoramic view
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Nature, people and clean air: the role of the LNRS

What do lichens on trees, farmers crop yields, and urban canyons, and all have in common? They’re all affected by the air that we breathe.

We know how serious air pollution is for us, and we also know what causes poor air quality: transportation, industry, and agriculture are just some of the leading causes.

In England alone, the costs of air pollution were estimated to be £157 million in a single year. If we don’t act to improve air quality, these costs could rise to £5.3 billion by 2035 due to increased cases of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, asthma, and other conditions linked to air pollution.

How can the LNRS help? 

The natural environment is affected by air pollution in much the same way as we are.

Damage to plants: plants are affected by air pollution. As it rains the rain droplets capture nitrogen particles and rain them to the ground, this can reduce plant growth and alter species composition (this also can then affect how well those plants could capture airborne particles).

Habitat degradation: this is where habitats become damaged over time and this changes the wildlife they support as well as their ecosystem services. For example, peatlands sequester carbon and can become damaged by ammonia and nitrogen deposits from the air, when this happens, they will no longer be able to store carbon as effectively.

Wildlife health: wildlife exposed to poor air quality can have weakened immune systems, fertility problems, and increased vulnerability to disease.

Behavioural changes: air pollution can reduce bird song frequency, change migration patterns, and force bees to return to their hives prematurely.

Unsurprisingly, habitats and species can be directly impacted by air pollution, and the LNRS is being developed to support improving air pollution for the natural environment, and our communities.

The LNRS will identify locations for new habitat creation and will identify where specific actions need to take place urgently for both species and habitats. Some nature-based solutions that support improving our air quality are:

  • Planting trees outside of woodlands, creating new woodland, and new wood pasture
  • Wetlands
  • Healthy soils
  • Plants
  • Biodiversity

During the last year of work on the LNRS, our communities have told us that they care about air quality and that they want more natural spaces, green infrastructure, trees, and ‘when walking through a town to feel safe, to be green, to feel pleasant and cool, with accessible shade, and the sound of birds and insects’.

We can all make an effort to create communities that feel like this, here are a few tips that individuals can do.

Balconies

If sunny, try plants like lavender, field scabious, birds foot trefoil, and wild thyme. If in shade, try ferns, ivy, or melic grasses. You ideally want frothy looking foliage that will capture air borne particles.

Garden

Plant trees, let your grass grow (and mow a path for access/ if you want it to look ‘neat’), and add a pond. Trees like birch (Betula pendula) will capture air borne particles on their leaves, and look after your soil. Make your own compost, build a wormery, or add compost to your soil to add organic matter to it.

Allotment

Much the same as the above, build compost bins/ wormeries to help improve soil, try no-dig, and build your organic matter up. Worms and beetles will move into your beds. Eliminate herbicide use which can add to air pollution and harm wildlife.

Farms

Work with your local catchment sensitive farming advisor, maintain machinery to reduce diesel emissions, adopt sustainable slurry measures, and plant hedgerows, trees, and cover crops to buffer and capture particles from the air.

Clean Air Day is just one day, but it is a good reminder that we’re all being affected, people and wildlife, by poor air quality. The work of creating cleaner, greener places is year-round and we can act in many ways. As we develop the LNRS we’re listening to communities, learning from farmers and landowners, and working with businesses, to build a strategy that will help to deliver for nature and improve our air quality too.

Find out more about Clean Air Day here. 

Find out more on trees outside of woodlands here.

field with cowsi n
Common Hawthorn

A beginner’s guide to plant identification in June

June in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is a vibrant time for nature lovers. The countryside, parks, and even roadside verges are alive with colour and buzzing with pollinators. Whether you’re exploring Cannock Chase, Trentham Gardens, or your own back garden, this guide will help you identify some of the region’s most iconic plants this month.

Tools for plant identification

Before heading out, gather a few essentials:

  • Field guide or plant ID app: Apps like, iNaturalist and irecord, use image recognition to help identify plants quickly.
  • Notebook or journal: Write down observations like leaf shape, flower colour, and habitat.
  • Smartphone or camera: Take clear photos of the plant from different angles—leaves, flowers, stems, and overall shape.

Here are some of the most seen wild plants and flowers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent during June:

  1. Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
  • Where: Hedgerows and field boundaries.
  • ID tips: White or pinkish flowers in clusters; deeply lobed leaves.
  • Fun fact: Known as the “May tree,” but often still blooming into June 
  1. Elder (Sambucus nigra)
  • Where: Woodland edges and hedgerows.
  • ID tips: Flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers with a sweet scent.
  • Uses: Flowers can be used to make elderflower cordial or champagne 
  1. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
  • Where: Woodland clearings and heathland like Cannock Chase.
  • ID tips: Tall spikes of tubular purple flowers; leaves are soft and fuzzy.
  • Caution: Beautiful but toxic if ingested 
  1. Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
  • Where: Damp meadows, gardens, and roadsides.
  • ID tips: Glossy yellow flowers and creeping runners.
  • Note: Can be invasive in lawns 
  1. Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis)
  • Where: Grasslands and roadside verges.
  • ID tips: Bright yellow pea-like flowers; climbing stems.
  • Ecology: A favourite of bees and butterflies
  1. Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
  • Where: Grasslands and nature reserves like Doxey Marshes.
  • ID tips: Pale pink flowers with purple spots; lance-shaped leaves.
  • Status: A sign of healthy, undisturbed grassland 

Respecting Nature

  • Don’t pick wildflowers: Many are protected or vital to pollinators.
  • Stick to paths: Especially in sensitive areas like Cannock Chase AONB.
  • Share your sightings: Contribute to platforms like iNaturalist or the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s citizen science projects.
person gardeing

Simple Steps for Protecting Nature at Home

Protecting Nature in April 2024: Simple Steps for Staffordshire Residents

As spring reaches its peak in April, Staffordshire’s natural beauty is on full display. It’s the perfect time for residents to take action and contribute to protecting and preserving our environment. Here are some practical steps you can take to help protect nature right in your own backyard:

1. Plant Native Species

Choose native plants for your garden. These plants are well-suited to the local climate and provide essential food and habitat for wildlife. By planting a variety of native flowers, shrubs, and trees, you can support pollinators like bees and butterflies and provide shelter for birds and other creatures.

2. Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Make your garden a haven for wildlife by adding bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes. Consider setting up a small pond or water feature to attract frogs, insects, and birds. Providing food, water, and shelter encourages biodiversity and helps local wildlife thrive.

3. Avoid Using Chemical Pesticides

Opt for natural pest control methods instead of chemical pesticides. Many pesticides can harm beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Using natural alternatives helps create a healthier environment for everyone.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Minimize waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Compost kitchen scraps and garden waste to create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Avoid single-use plastics and choose reusable alternatives whenever possible.

5. Participate in Local Conservation Efforts

Get involved in local conservation initiatives and volunteer for community clean-up events. Join groups focused on protecting and restoring natural habitats, and stay informed about local environmental issues.

6. Conserve Water

Be mindful of water usage in your garden and home. Collect rainwater for watering plants and fix any leaks to reduce water waste. Using water wisely helps protect local water sources and supports the environment.

7. Educate and Inspire Others

Share your knowledge and passion for nature with friends, family, and neighbours. Encourage others to take action and adopt eco-friendly practices. By spreading awareness and inspiring others, you can help create a community that values and protects nature.

By taking these simple steps, you can make a significant impact on the environment and help preserve the natural beauty of Staffordshire. Every small action counts, and together, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for our community and the planet.

BlueBells, Springtime Wildflowers.

Spring Awakening: Nature’s Rebirth in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

As winter fades and the days grow longer, nature begins to awaken. March marks the start of Spring, a time of renewal and rebirth. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, this season brings a burst of life and colour to our landscapes. Let’s explore the early signs of spring and how we can celebrate and support this vibrant season.

  • Budding Trees and Blossoms: Look out for the first buds on trees like the hawthorn and blackthorn. These early bloomers are vital for pollinators emerging from hibernation.
  • Returning Migratory Birds: Species such as the swallow and chiffchaff return from their wintering grounds. Their arrival is a sure sign that spring is here.
  • Spring Wildflowers: The countryside begins to carpet with wildflowers like primroses, wood anemones, and bluebells. These flowers provide essential nectar for bees and other insects.

Wildlife Activity

  • Birds Nesting: Many birds start building nests in preparation for raising their young. You might spot robins, blackbirds, and blue tits busy gathering materials.
  • Amphibians Breeding: Frogs, toads, and newts return to ponds to breed. Listen for the distinctive croaking of frogs as they call to attract mates.
  • Insect Emergence: Bees, butterflies, and other insects become more active. Early butterflies like the peacock and brimstone can be seen fluttering about.

How You Can Celebrate and Support Spring

  • Plant a Wildflower Meadow: Create a patch of wildflowers in your garden to provide food for pollinators. Choose native species to support local wildlife.
  • Install Nest Boxes: Put up bird boxes to provide safe nesting sites for birds. Ensure they are placed in quiet, sheltered spots away from predators.
  • Create a Pond: Even a small pond can make a big difference for amphibians and insects. Add native aquatic plants to create a balanced ecosystem.

By taking these steps, we can all play a part in supporting the natural rebirth that occurs each spring. Let’s celebrate the arrival of this vibrant season and work together to protect and preserve the wildlife and habitats of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

 

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Creating Wildlife-Friendly Gardens in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Gardens can be a sanctuary for wildlife, providing essential habitats and resources for a variety of species. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, creating wildlife-friendly gardens is a wonderful way to support local biodiversity and enjoy the beauty of nature right in your backyard. This February, let’s explore how you can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife.

Why Wildlife-Friendly Gardens Matter

Wildlife-friendly gardens help to:

  • Support Local Species: Provide food, shelter, and breeding sites for birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians.
  • Enhance Biodiversity: Create a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of species.
  • Improve Ecosystem Health: Contribute to the overall health of the environment by supporting pollinators and natural pest control.

Key Elements of a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

  1. Native Plants – Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, providing the best resources for local wildlife. Plant species like bluebells, hawthorn, and dog rose to attract pollinators and provide food for birds and insects.
  2. Water Features – Water sources like ponds, bird baths, and small streams provide drinking water and habitats for amphibians and insects. Ensure ponds have shallow edges for easy access and add aquatic plants like water lilies and marsh marigolds.
  3. Shelter and Nesting Sites – Provide safe places for wildlife to hide, rest, and breed. Install bird boxes, bat boxes, and insect hotels. Leave log piles, rockeries, and dense shrubs for shelter.
  4. Food Sources – Ensure a year-round supply of food for wildlife. Plant a variety of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that produce nectar, berries, and seeds. Supplement with bird feeders and leave fallen fruit for ground-feeding animals.
  5. Avoid Chemicals – Pesticides and herbicides can harm wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem. Use natural pest control methods like companion planting and encourage predators like ladybirds and hedgehogs to manage pests.

 

How You Can Get Involved

  • Join Local Groups: Participate in local conservation efforts and gardening clubs.
  • Attend Workshops: Learn more about creating wildlife-friendly gardens through workshops and events hosted by organisations like the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
  • Share Your Success: Inspire others by sharing your wildlife garden projects on social media and community boards.

By incorporating these elements into your garden, you can create a thriving habitat for wildlife and enjoy the benefits of a vibrant, biodiverse garden. Let’s make Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent a haven for nature, one garden at a time.

A tranquil spring morning along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal near Drayton in Staffordshire, UK

Protecting Waterways in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Waterways are the lifeblood of our environment, providing essential habitats for wildlife and valuable resources for our communities. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, protecting and preserving these waterways is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring clean water for future generations. This January, let’s explore the importance of our local rivers, canals, and streams, and discover how we can all contribute to their protection.

The Importance of Waterways

Waterways such as the River Trent, River Sow, and the extensive network of canals in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are home to a diverse range of species. These include fish like the brown trout and European eel, birds such as the kingfisher and grey heron, and numerous invertebrates and plants. Healthy waterways also support recreational activities, enhance the beauty of our landscapes, and play a vital role in flood management.

Local Conservation Efforts

Several initiatives are underway to protect and restore waterways in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent:

  • Trent Rivers Trust: This organisation works on projects like the Weston River Restoration, which aims to reconnect the River Trent to its floodplain, improving habitats for wildlife and enhancing flood resilience.
  • Staffordshire Wildlife Trust: They have been involved in river restoration projects in the Churnet Valley, using innovative techniques like engineered log jams to improve riparian zones and reduce flooding.
  • Canal & River Trust: Collaborating with local councils, they manage and enhance the canal network, balancing rural preservation with leisure use.

How You Can Help

  • Reduce Pollution: Properly dispose of waste and use eco-friendly products to minimise runoff. Participate in local clean-up events to help keep waterways free of litter.
  • Support Native Plants: Plant native species along riverbanks and in gardens to provide habitats for wildlife and prevent erosion.
  • Get Involved: Join local conservation groups and volunteer for projects that focus on protecting and restoring waterways.
  • Educate Others: Raise awareness about the importance of clean and healthy waterways. Encourage friends and family to adopt water-friendly practices.

By taking these steps, we can all play a part in protecting the precious waterways of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Let’s work together to ensure these vital ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

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Empowering Community Groups for Nature Recovery in Staffordshire

Empowering Community Groups for Nature Recovery in Staffordshire

Community groups play a crucial role in nature recovery. They inspire local residents to participate in efforts to restore and protect the environment. These groups have unique insights into their communities, making them ideal for shaping the future of nature recovery in Staffordshire. Our Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) aims to support and expand the great work these groups are already doing.

Recent Activities

In December, our Liaison Officers attended several local forums hosted by Support Staffordshire in Cannock, Newcastle, Stafford, the Moorlands, and Bilbrook. The goal was to raise awareness about the LNRS and show how local organisations can contribute to and benefit from it.

We also have a Community Advisory Group that meets monthly. This group brings local knowledge into the development process and advises on improving community green and blue spaces. They focus on issues like flooding, pollution, health, and connecting people to nature.

How Can Community Groups Contribute?

We have set up an interactive map designed for you to share your favourite outdoor places to visit in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to know if you have spotted any changes to the environment, any concerns you have or any improvements you think could be made to protect nature. Click here to share your thoughts.

In 2025, we will host workshops to gather input on nature recovery priorities. Later in the year, a public consultation will allow all residents to review the draft strategy and ensure it aligns with their goals.

Get Involved

If you’re part of a community group and want to learn more or get involved, contact our Communities Liaison Officer, Tristan Allerton, at tristan.allerton@staffordshire.gov.uk .

Together, we can make a real difference for nature recovery in Staffordshire.

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