They use sophisticated sonar navigation to locate food in the dark and are able to fly with amazing manoeuvrability.

Steeped in folklore, more myths and legends have been inspired by these
amazing creatures than just about any other.

They may live in your house or outbuildings without you even realising and Wigan hosts some of Britain's most interesting species.

Tonight locals have a chance of seeing them at the Wigan Flashes nature reserve.

At this time of year bats greet the arrival of spring and the return of their food supply of flying insects by emerging from months of
hibernation and taking to the wing to feed at dusk.

The Flashes provide feeding grounds for two species that hunt over
woodland and water – noctule and Daubenton's.

Noctule bats are amongst Britain's largest and make for a spectacular sight, swooping high over the woodlands alongside Scotmans and Pearson's Flashes.

Daubenton's, also known as the water bat, feed low over water, intercepting midges and moths.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust is offering the chance to witness this
twilight spectacular at close quarters.
The Wigan Flashes team is staging its first bat walk of the season at 8pm.

The evening begins at the Welham Road entrance, next to Hawkley Hall High School, where walkers will be kitted out with ultrasonic bat detectors and led by torchlight to the feeding grounds.

Given the right weather, the ultrasonic detectors will be working overtime picking up the sounds of the approaching bats and the "terminal raspberry" sound of another insect being devoured in the air.

Ian Wright, of Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: "Getting so close to these wonderful creatures and using bat detectors to hear sounds inaudible to the human ear is a fantastic experience."

The walk is free, but pre-booking is essential. To reserve a place, call the Wigan office on 01942 233976.