DUE to popular demand, Knowsley Safari has opened up an extra night for people to experience their bat walks.

Staff say bats are one of the most important - and threatened - native species of mammal in Britain yet few people have ever seen or heard them up close.

A spokesman added: "There is a strong population living at Knowsley Safari on Merseyside and this month the Safari is offering visitors the chance to explore the bats’ habitat and get up close with these nocturnal beauties after dark.

"Knowsley Safari’s vast landscape and dense woodland areas are a fantastic habitat for bats and guides will lead visitors around the areas that the colony call home."

Earlier this year, a survey of native species by the Mammal Society found that bats are one of 12 native species under threat of extinction within a decade due to over-building and use of pesticides.

The importance of native bats will be spelled out in detail on the night and visitors will get to know how they can help and experience the safari after sun goes down.

Tickets must be booked in advance for the walk on September 13 from 7 to 10pm and cost £7.50.

Visit knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/events/bat-nights/ to book.