Batty walk round ruins

People are being invited to take a look behind the scenes during tours of a ruined Italianate palace at Great Witley, near Stourport.

English Heritage staff are extending opening hours around the ruins of Witley Court, so that people can go on special bat walks around the house and grounds.

The tours on May 16 and May 17 and May 20 and May 21 will allow visitors to see some of the ruin's most established residents.

Last year the tours were in the balance as wildlife experts discovered colonies of bats in several areas and were concerned they might be disturbed by visitors.

This year visitors will be invited to walk around the grounds with specialist equipment to watch the creatures as they start their dusk hunt.

Visitor operations manager Olivia Iles said: "We have got some very large colonies of bats at Witley Court, including some rare breeds, such as the lesser horseshoe bat, and these tours will give visitors a chance to see them as they leave their roosting places to start their feeding.

"Electronic bat detectors will be distributed, which translate the sounds made by the bats into the audible human hearing range."

Bat tours are set to take place on certain weekends throughout the summer from dusk to 10pm or 10.30pm but because places are limited these have to be pre-booked by calling 01299 896636.

Tickets cost £10.40 for adults, £7.60 concessions, £5.10 children or £25.50 for a family ticket for two adults and three children.