5:30pm UK, Sunday July 18, 2004

Bats have long been shrouded in mystery and superstition - but a webcam is going to change all that.

The infra-red camera will show a softer side to creatures better known for their roles in horror movies than for their peaceful flitting around the countryside. 

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Bats are linked to superstition

It is in the loft at the ruined Gothic Woodchester Mansion, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, which is home to a nursery roost of about 100 rare greater horseshoe bats.   

Rare glimpses of the mammals grooming, feeding, fighting and - perhaps the best-known image of a bat - hibernating, will be on show.    

The highlight during the summer will be when female bats gather in the rafters to give birth and rear their babies.    

Visitos to the English Nature website should be able to see the baby bats clinging tightly to their mothers.    

Tony Mitchell-Jones, English Nature's bat specialist, said: "The best time to log on is during the day when the bats are in the roost."    

Nocturnal greater horseshoe bats are one of Britain's largest species of bat with a wingspan of around 36cm and weighing up to 28g.    

The bat webcam is on English Nature website and is available on from 9am to 6pm.