Bat Action Team

spring 2008

Conservationists have been turning history on its head – transforming structures designed to protect from marauding enemy forces into welcoming ‘des res’ accommodation for invaders instead.

But this time the intruders are not only welcomed, they are protected by law.

Sightings of bats around Hainault instigated this project to breathe new life into a WWII pill box, turning it from little more than a disused brick shell into a . . . well, to be honest . . . a slightly more secure brick shell - but just perfect for any local winged mammal to hang-out.

The work included bricking up certain parts of the structure to make it more appealing to bats, cutting away some of the canopy foliage and providing a dead hedge to improve cover and protection for the potential roosting spot.

Success of the venture will be monitored over time, and the team, led by staff and experienced volunteers from the Lee Valley/ Waltham Forest office, are hoping to expand the work to other similar structures around the area if local landowners can be persuaded to diversify into wildlife housing provision.