Toilet block shock as rare bat spotted at Derbyshire reservoir

The rediscovery was a pleasing one for the group, as across the country populations have been declining – although it is not known if the species has begun roosting in the area or if the bat was a lone individual “exploring new territory”.

The nearest known populations are about 40 miles (64km) away in Staffordshire, said the group.

Group chairman Steve Roe said: “The return of the species is very exciting, and is the 13th of the UK’s 18 resident bats to be found in the county.

“Derbyshire Bat Group is now working with Severn Trent Water to deploy remote detectors in the hope that the species’ distinctive echolocation calls can be located.”

Lesser horseshoe bats are one of two horseshoe bats found in the UK, alongside greater horseshoes.

One of the smallest British species, lesser horseshoes are plum-sized and able to wrap their wings completely around their body while at rest.

The bats were originally cave dwellers, but colonies are now usually found in the roofs of larger rural houses and stable blocks in the summer and cellars, caves or tunnels during winter months.