Bat cave and solar bat house
Bats need safe roost sites all year round, with the requirements in winter being different from summer breeding sites. Suitable winter hibernation sites provide dark crevices away from predators, low consistent temperatures and high humidity.
The cave (called a hibernaculum) is made from pre-cast concrete roof sections containing special bat bricks. These roof sections have been placed over a 30 meter trench dug into limestone. A door allows bat access but restricts access for predators.
The cave, which was completed in 2004, had its first bats hibernating the following year. The cave is now used by Brown Long Eared and Natterers bats every winter. It is also used by overwintering moths and butterflies. An HD camera is running in the cave as part of the new camera network here at Kingfishers Bridge, the audio runs through a bat detector and helps us to monitor use and activity of each of the species through winter hibernation and at other times of year.
The cave (called a hibernaculum) is made from pre-cast concrete roof sections containing special bat bricks. These roof sections have been placed over a 30 meter trench dug into limestone. A door allows bat access but restricts access for predators.
The cave, which was completed in 2004, had its first bats hibernating the following year. The cave is now used by Brown Long Eared and Natterers bats every winter. It is also used by overwintering moths and butterflies. An HD camera is running in the cave as part of the new camera network here at Kingfishers Bridge, the audio runs through a bat detector and helps us to monitor use and activity of each of the species through winter hibernation and at other times of year.
Situated in The Glade, the summer bat house provides a summer roost for Pipistrelle bats. This bat house has a solar radiator which heats water. This in turn heats bricks within the house to maintain consistently warm temperatures both day and night. The Glade is a very sheltered spot which is attractive to flying insects, ideal for bats to feed on when they emerge at dusk.