There are 16 species of bat to be found in the UK, all of them can be found in Dorset.
The commonest bat, the Pipistrelle, weighs only about 5 grams and can fit inside a matchbox! Despite its size it will also eat thousands of gnats and midges in just one night!!
Bats will only use existing holes to gain access to their roost. They do not chew wires, roof felt etc. They only eat insects. They do not bring in any nest material.
Bats will not fly into your hair! Any bat flying near you is simply taking advantage of the numbers of midges that are following you around. Bats are extremely maneouverable and avoid you with ease.
Bats are remarkably long-lived. The Pipistrelle can live up to 16 years, the larger bats such as the Greater Horseshoe bat can reach 30+ years.
Bats are not blind. They can see perfectly well in daylight, but use their echolocation system to catch their prey at night.
Bats do not build nests, nor do they lay eggs. They give birth to one live young each year, though some species will also miss a year or so