(Nyctalus leisleri)

Leisler's bat is one of England's rarer species. A close relative of the larger Noctule, it flies fast, sometimes high with shallow dives, but frequently below tree-top level when foraging. Most records are to the north and west of the Medway Gap, along the North Kent grazing marshes into London and west along the river Medway as far as Edenbridge. It is rare in East Kent. A few maternity house roosts have been found in Strood, Cuxton and Dartford. Juveniles have been recovered from Aylesford and Hartley indicating maternity roosts here. This species moves roosts frequently.