The Leisler’s Bat is considered to be quite a rare bat and it is believed that only a few thousand of these bats actually live in England. It can be seen in marshes, meadows and open woodlands. It is sometimes known as the ‘hairy armed bat’ because it has long thick fur around its shoulders and its upper back.

The Leisler’s Bat has a black-grey face and broad triangular-shaped ears. It has long dark brown fur on top and slightly paler brown fur below. It also has dark grey wings that are long and narrow. This bat likes to fly fast and high over the tops of trees where it hunts for insects.

In summer Leisler’s Bats mainly roost in tree holes, but they will also roost in buildings and bat boxes. They change their roosts every few days in summer and will sometimes roost with Noctule and Pipistrelle bats. They leave their roosts just after dusk and return just before dawn. In winter Leisler’s Bats hibernate in caves, tunnels and sometimes in deep tree holes. Leisler's Bats are often mistaken for Noctule bats, although Noctule bats are larger and have golden brown fur.