Lesser horseshoe bat  (Rhinolophus hipposideros)

Occurs throughout central and southern Europe but has declined in the north. In Britain it has become extinct in the Midlands and in the south-east (4) and is now restricted to south-west England and Wales (3).

Once found roosting only in caves, maternity roosts now occur in old buildings, often in warm attics. Hibernation still tends to take place underground (3) in caves, mines and cellars (4). They feed in sheltered valleys (2), and foothills (4) amongst mixed woodland, and along hedgerows and tree lines (3).