A bat species may have extended its habitat

A species of bat has been discovered in the UK for the first time by a National Trust ecologist.

The male Geoffroy's bat, which are usually found in continental Europe, was discovered in South Downs, West Sussex, on Trust land. It is thought that the species is starting to extend its habitat range northwards.

There are 17 known species of bat currently breeding in the UK. It is not yet known whether this bat is part of a colony, though experts believe it is one that has travelled a long distance.

The ecologist that found him, Daniel Whitby, is also a bat expert, and was carrying out a survey at the time. "It was a real surprise to catch this bat," he said.

"Geoffroy's bat is nicknamed the notch-eared bat because it has a distinctive notch in the top part of its ear, with this, along with other identification features," said Daniel. "I quickly realised what an interesting bat I was holding."

He added that the find showed the importance of the Trust's surveying and monitoring work.

This is the second new species of bat recorded in the UK in the last two years, with the discovery of Alcathoe's bat, also in Sussex, in 2010.