Many species of bat have been identified in Gower. Amongst the most common are the Greater and Lesser Horseshoe Bat, the Noctule, the Natterer's and Dauberton's Bat, the Whiskered Bat and the Pipistrelle Bat. Many of these haunt Gower's numerous South coast caves and are difficult to spot by the average holidaymaker. Thankfully, several organisations offer guided tours of certain areas where bats can be sighted (contact the Bishop's Wood Environmental Education Centre, Caswell and The Gower Society for more details). For those (quiet) visitors desperate to see some bats at times when these tours are unavailable perhaps one of the best places to spot some is the bottom of Hermon Lane, Crofty - opposite Penclawdd Industrial Estate. At the bottom of this lane is a small area of grassland suitable for parking by one or two vehicles. There, on most evenings, a most amazing acrobatic display is held by numerous small bats. Their angular silhouettes, flitting gracefully across the evening sky an hour or so before darkness is a sight that will stay with you long after other memories of your holiday have dwindled.
