How to help bats in Southwark
A common pipistrelle weighs about the same as a 20p coin. Yet in one night it can eat up to 3,000 insects. Bats are one of the UK’s most threatened mammal groups, facing habitat loss and fewer safe roosting spaces.
In Southwark, species such as the Common Pipistrelle and Daubenton’s bat rely on connected green spaces and insect-rich gardens to survive. When you help insects, you help bats.
Find out what you can do if you have a garden, a balcony or even just a windowsill.
If you have a garden
BUILD: Install a bat box
Modern buildings often lack cracks and crevices where bats would naturally roost.
Bat boxes provide safe resting spaces and can be installed at any time of year — spring gives the best chance of use that summer. Place high on a south-facing wall with minimal artificial light.
👉 How to Guide: Bat Conservation Trust guide to installing bat boxes
⚠️ If you are not the landowner, please check permissions before installing structures
PLANT: Grow night-scented
Bats feed on night-flying insects. These insects are attracted to pale, fragrant flowers. You can start by planting a mix of the below in pots or flower beds:
🌸 Evening primrose
🌼 Night-scented stock
🪻 Night-flowering tobacco
☘️ Hebe
Choose single-petal varieties for better nectar access.
👉 How to Guide: Bat-friendly planting
SUPPORT: Reduce artificial lighting
Bright garden lighting can disrupt bat flight paths and feeding behaviour. Switch to warm, downward-facing lights and turn off unnecessary lighting at night.
Small changes create safer feeding routes.
If you have a balcony
BUILD: Create vertical planting space
Climbing plants increase insect habitat without taking up floor space.
Add a small trellis and grow honeysuckle or climbing nasturtium to attract insects bats feed on.
PLANT: Grow pale, night-blooming flowers in pots
Bats feed on night-flying insects. These insects are attracted to pale, fragrant flowers.
Try planting a mix of:
☘️ Hebe
🪻 Lavender
🌱 Marjoram
Hebes are hardy, colourful and flower for long periods.
👉 How to Guide: Bat-friendly gardening guide
SUPPORT: Reduce artificial lighting
Bright garden lighting can disrupt bat flight paths and feeding behaviour. Switch to warm, downward-facing lights and turn off unnecessary lighting at night.
Small changes create safer feeding routes.
If you have a windowsill
PLANT: Grow pale, night-blooming flowers in a window box
Bats feed on night-flying insects. These insects are attracted to pale, fragrant flowers. Try planting a mix of:
🌼 Evening primrose
🌸 Night-scented stock
☘️ Marjoram
👉 How to Guide: Bat-friendly gardening guide
SUPPORT: Reduce artificial lighting
Bright garden lighting can disrupt bat flight paths and feeding behaviour. Switch to warm, downward-facing lights and turn off unnecessary lighting at night.
Small changes create safer feeding routes.