The Greater Horseshoe is a large British bat that is only found in the South West of England and South Wales, and their population in the UK is now estimated to number just two hundred. On a recent visit to Cornwall, we went on a bat walk to Pentireglaze (close to Padstow) where we were able to see a roost of approximately 40 greater horseshoe bats as they came out of a disused lead mine to feed at dusk. An absolutely superb experience that is quite unique given the scarcity of this species.

Sound File:

Greater Horseshoe

80 kHz

Description:

They are one of the largest British bats. They have light-brown/grey fur, and their ears and wings are pale grey in color. Their most distinguishing feature however is the horseshoe shaped skin around the nose, which obviously gives rise to their name.

Weight:

Minimum

Maximum

15 g

35 g

Lifespan:

Maximum

30 years

Size:

Length

Wingspan

70 mm

380 mm