The Barbastelle bat is a rare bat that can mostly be found in the south of England in woodland areas close to water, but sometimes it will visit large rural gardens. It has a pinky coloured face which is almost pug-like and little white frosted hairs on its lower lip. It also has black broad triangular-shaped ears that join across the forehead.

The Barbastelle bat has long glossy fur on its back which is either dark grey or black with pale cream or yellow tips. The underside is grey-brown and its wings are grey-black with pointed tips. The Barbastelle bat is a slow and skilful flier that likes to fly in direct lines.

Barbastelle bats emerge at dusk and usually fly at tree-top level, but they can also be seen flying close to the surface of water hunting for food. These bats feed on and off throughout the night. In summer they roost in hollow trees, old tree roots and buildings. In winter they hibernate in caves, tunnels and trees. Barbastelle bats often hibernate in large clusters in their roosts where they all hang down freely from the ceiling. Sometimes they hibernate individually in narrow cracks.