BRITAIN'S rarest bat is alive and well and living in Herefordshire.

News that the tree-dwelling Bechstein's bat has been spotted on Woolhope Dome, a unique geological site in the south-eastern part of the county, has come to light thanks to efforts by the Herefordshire Mammal Group.

Studies of the area's ancient oak and mixed woodland have revealed four species of bat - brown long-eared bat, Natterer's bat, Daubenton's bat and the "very rare" Bechstein's bat.

There are few biological records of the Bechstein's bat in Herefordshire, and before the group's discovery no records for the Woolhope Dome, reports Denise Foster, the project lead.

Research has shown that the Bechstein's maternity colony is likely to be in the region on 40 to 50 breeding females. The group believe the bats will be faithful to the ash woodland where they have been found, probably returning to breed here every year.

There are concerns about the threat of ash dieback, and the implications the disease could have on the future of this woodland and the special bats it hosts.

For more information on the project contact the Herefordshire Mammal Group at www.ham.btck.co.uk/