A BAT - which was rescued from the roadside on the A303 - has now been released back into the wild.

The female adult Soprano Pipistrelle was spotted by Highways England structural inspector George Webb just before Christmas.

He found the bat by the A303 Marsh junction, and asked for help from Leonardo Gubert, Highways England senior ecologist.

He sent the bat, which was one of the smallest species in the county, to Mid Devon Bat Rescue Centre.

Noella, as the bat was named, suffered rib and wing injuries in a presumed fall from a bridge.

She was initially given a specially prepared rehydration solution. But once she was in a room with other bats, she then began to feed properly.

Under the care of Kari Bettoney, the recuperation and rehabilitation continued through the winter weeks and months.

With her injured wing fully restored after physio and exercise, Mr Gubert has now released Noella back into the wild and close to the habitat where she was first discovered.

He said: “She really was in a poor state, it was nice to give her a second chance and with the vital help of Kari, it was pleasing to be able to release her back into the wild.

“Most bats are seasonal visitors to buildings, including highways infrastructure, and although they’re unlikely to live in the same place all year round, they’re creatures of habitat and loyal to their roosts.

"So I released her close to the location she was found alongside the A303, and hopefully she’ll find her way home and resettle.”

It is thought she may be pregnant too, and will now have the chance to find a home to give birth to her baby.

Registered with the Bat Conservation Trust, Kari has operated the Mid Devon Bat and Dormouse Rescue Centre since 2014.

“Without doubt, Noella would have died without the help of Leo and Highways England – she has been exercising in a flight pen, which has been fundraised for us, and we suspect she’s carrying a baby, so effectively we’ve released two bats back into the wild," she added.

“Bats are diminishing in numbers – the colder weather we’ve been experiencing means less insects and less food for them – so it’s encouraging that the females we’re releasing will go on to have more babies.”