Biodiversity
CWP Bat Project
In April 2005 the Cotswold Water Park Society launched the Cotswold Water Park Bat Initiative to promote the study and recording of all bat species in the Cotswold Water Park.
The Project, comprising members from both Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Bat Groups, will support bat conservation across the Cotswold Water Park, in conjunction with the Society, contributing to the CWP Biodiversity Action Plan.
Key Facts
The aims of the project are as follows:
- To gather high quality data on the Bats of the CWP through co-ordinated field work.
- To provide a direct input to the CWP Nature Conservation Forum and CWP Biodiversity Action Plan to promote all forms of bat conservation in the CWP.
- To gather information of sufficient quality to inform and influence development control, forward planning and mineral planning processes.
- To promote bat conservation in the CWP across the county boundary, by involving both Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Bat Groups and other volunteers.
New!!! Latest News!!!
The Cotswold Water Park Bat Initiative newsletter 2008
The Cotswold Water Park Bat Initiative newsletter 2007
The Cotswold Water Park Bat Initiative newsletter 2005/2006.
Introduction
In Spring 2005, the meeting of several interested parties from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Bat Groups and the Cotswold Water Park Society lead to the launch of the Cotswold Water Park Bat Initiative, part of the Cotswold Water Park Biodiversity Action Plan (CWP BAP)
Until this time, there had been little coordinated survey work for bats in the CWP aside from occasional one-off surveys, surveys arising from development control associated with new developments, and isolated surveys responding to enquiries from members of the public.
Preliminary Surveys
A series of survey transects have been developed around the CWP in a range of habitats, for the survey of bats by teams of volunteers, using bat detectors. The aim of these surveys is to clarify which species are present in the CWP, to involve volunteers in field work and promote the Bat Initiative. Transect surveys began in Summer 2005 and will continue through to the Summer of 2007.
Box Schemes
One of the best ways to identify and understand bats using an area is to establish Box Schemes. These can be monitored periodically by licensed bat workers in order to learn what bats are using the CWP.
During 2005, 2006 and 2007 box schemes have been established across the CWP thanks to support and funding by Wiltshire Bat Group, Gloucestershire Naturalists Society, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Lower Mill Estate and the Cotswold Water Park Society.
Information collected from bat box monitoring provides another source of data that contributes to the overall picture of bat distribution.
Roost Visits
Ongoing monitoring of known bat roosts in buildings, Churches and stone bridges around the CWP is a key objective. We already know where some can be found, but we are always keen to learn of more!
Bats roosts are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, but licensed bat workers are permitted to study these roosts.
Future plans
The CWP Bat Initiative has a series of long term aims:
- Produce an outline species distribution map for the CWP based upon results of the transect and other surveys,
- Undertake follow-up surveys of identified roosts and hotspots. Identify key roost sites in the CWP.
- Maintain a database of records,
- Monitoring the bat box schemes in the CWP,
- Provision of training for future potential bat workers,
- Education and co-operation with the local community and other interested parties,
- Establish, in time, a flagship study for the CWP on a species characteristic of the area, for example Daubenton's Bats.
Further information
Gareth Harris, Biodiversity Officer, Cotswold Water Park Society. Tel: 01793 752413/752730 Email: Gareth.harris@waterpark.org
Updated 16th December 2008.
