WITHOUT thoughts of rabies or a potential hefty fine former Blue Peter gardener Chris Crowder leapt to the safety of a drowning bat, reports KAREN BARDEN.

As the flying mammal flapped helplessly in Levens Hall fountain, Mr Crowder hooked out the young Pipistrelle Soprano with his hand, only to be repaid by a baring of angry little teeth.

"Although it didn't bite me, it was none too pleased by its ordeal," explained the stately home's head gardener.

"When I saw it, the bat was on its back, its wings under the water. I thought it was a half-drowned mouse at first."

Carefully laid in a box, on an old tea towel, the protected species was left in a darkened shed to sleep off its failed attempts at backstroke.

"I think it had been going after a midge and had swooped too low over the water. All I want now is for this story to have a happy ending," added Mr Crowder.

"I only considered rabies after the event, and that there are heavy fines for handling bats."

But English Nature's bat leader for Cumbria, Rosie Baynes, was quick to reassure Mr Crowder, explaining that rabies risks were tiny among species in this area, and that £1,000 fines were only imposed for the deliberate killing of a bat. Penalties also apply for "recklessly disturbing" bats or roosts, not for rescuing a drowning creature.

She said she would collect the lucky little Pipistrelle and return it to the wild if it was ready, or take it home and "feed it up a bit" before letting it go.

Yesterday, Thursday, Mr Crowder reported that bat had been inspected and needed no further treatment. It was ready to be released.

April 17, 2003 12:00