Irregular silviculture positively influences multiple bat species in a lowland temperate broadleaf woodland

Changing economics in the 20th century led to losses and fragmentation of semi-natural woodland Britain a reduction active management with many becoming increasingly neglected, even-aged closed canopy. Lack is known contribute declines some taxonomic groups, for example birds. However, response bats changes structure are poorly understood. We compared two measures bat activity, derived from static acoustic recorders across 120 sample plots coppice, irregular high forest (uneven-aged, continuous cover) limited intervention (under-managed, even-aged) stands, within large tract ancient southern England. Bat species richness was highest there were significant differences occupancy rates most stand types. Coppice recorded low activity several showed rates, including Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus, which IUCN listed as near threatened. The types differed between mid- late summer counts, suggesting seasonal variation habitat use. Within associated opened canopy, lower growing stocks reduced densities understorey, lesser extent, large-girthed trees presence deadwood snags. In cases, responded given variable similarly three types, whereas others, among For example, increased numbers benefitted number coppice where these least common, but not stands. Irregular silviculture appears provide structural attributes that positively influence species, barbastellus.