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The findings of a bat survey comissioned out by Omeath District Development have been published. The survey was carried out in the Omeath area in May 2023 by Donna Mullen and Brian Keeley from Wildlife Surveys Ireland.
With Omeath having low light levels it should be a natural location to find bats. Five different species of bats were found in the survey, common pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles, Leisler’s bats, Brown long-eared bat and Daubenton’s bat. Common pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles and Leisler’s bats were seen throughout the area with just one recording each of the the Brown long-eared bat and Daubenton’s bat.
The survey ran from 10-29 May with two surveyors and a static detector. A community bat walk on 26 May from St Judes Shrine proved very popular. People were also showed how to use a bat detector, given a talk on bat protection and advice on locating bat boxes.
The greenway was a popular spot with common and soprano pipistrelles spotted feeding although very little bat activity was recorded north of Omeath.
Conclusions of the project included embracing the interest in wildlife amongst the community and holding more bat walks and training. Omeath's low levels of light polution should be retained and dark sky areas designated. No Mow May should be promoted and child friendly bat signage should be placed on the greenway.
Check out WSI - A bat assessment of Omeath for the full survey results.
