Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Bats along New River

There seems to be a healthy number of bats along the New River, on the Wightman Road section between Hornsey and Haringey stations. Does anyone know anything about which species live there, or what I can do to support them?

Tags for Forum Posts: bats, new river, new river wildlife, wildlife

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Permalink Reply by David Lea on August 9, 2019 at 9:27

Have been recording bats this year. Along the New River there are Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Daubenton's and Noctule and Lesser Noctule. I've found Grey and Brown Long Eared Bats and Nathusius Pipistrelle in the garden, which is about a minute's walk away. Along the River, Daubenton's probably most likely, as it usually hunts over water.

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Permalink Reply by Mo on August 9, 2019 at 12:47

Sounds amazing! So many! . How have you been recording them?

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Permalink Reply by Alex on August 9, 2019 at 12:53

Wow. How do you spot them to identify them, David?

I see a sudden flutter whiz by, glimpse a bat, and it’s gone. I’d love to know how I could safely observe one for longer than a fleeting glimpse

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Permalink Reply by David Lea on August 9, 2019 at 13:50

Echometer plus app identifies them. Daubenton's is usually easy to spot, because it has a light coloured belly and flies low over water. Noctule is quite big and flies rather high, and just after dusk. But technology helps! I've got into a bad habit of setting up the microphone by my bedroom window and leaving it for a few hours while I have dinner, etc. But there are quite a few species about, certainly.

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Permalink Reply by Alex on August 10, 2019 at 11:49

That’s really impressive and it’s good to know there’s so many species around.

I wonder whether anyone has considered speaking to Thames Water and whichever railway company operates in the yard to find out if permission could be gained to actively manage the area of land between the river and the yard for the benefit and promotion of wildlife? Maybe this is the type of active management The London Wildlife Trust manage.

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Permalink Reply by EMC2 on August 9, 2019 at 21:25

Dave, you need to organise a walk!

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Permalink Reply by Alex on August 10, 2019 at 11:45

Here here. I agree. A walk would be great if possible.

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Permalink Reply by David Lea on August 10, 2019 at 13:08

Tuesday or Wednesday next week, weather permitting? Meet at the Wightman Road entrance to the NR, then a foray into Alexandra Park, followed by a pint at the Victoria Stakes ...