River Colne Countryside Project – Bat Hibernation Sites on River Colne

Bat numbers are under severe pressure and as such some species are subject to an Essex Biodiversity Action Plan. This plan noted that the National Bat Colony survey revealed a 70% decline between 1978 and 1993. The plan notes that two factors contributing to this decline are loss of roost and maternity roost sites. This project seeks to create suitable roosting and hibernation sites for this protected species by creating hibernation sites that will have constant temperature and humidity conditions. Two pill boxes located close to the river at Great Porters Farm, Eight Ash Green and Bacon’s Farm at Chappel have been earmarked for conversion as many bat species will feed on insects associated with river and use the river as a navigational tool. Verbal agreement from the owners of the land has been obtained