Greater Horseshoe Bats

Greater Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum_ are distinguished from other bats by the horseshoe-shaped flaps of skin around the nose, in the UK this species is only found in wooded country in the south-west of England. The largest horseshoe bat in Europe, its fur is grey above and pale buff below. In Dunster Forest the management of the 'veteran' (old and ancient) trees within the Deer Park and elsewhere in the forest helps to conserve the bat's habitat. Lesser Horseshoe Bats are also present in the forest.

Contributed by: Henry Timms