BRITAIN?S rarest species of bats, including the Barbastelle, have been discovered in the lower Tamar Valley, along with seven other species. Teams of up to four investigators roamed the woods and valleys at night, armed with bat detectors and radio tracking devices. They also tracked the bats to underground sites, venturing into mine shafts and tunnels, with the assistance of local cavers. The study was part of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, a Lottery-funded scheme that plans to open up this part of the countryside to visitors. A total of eight bat species were recorded in the project area, including Greater and Lesser Horseshoe and Barbastelle bats, which are the rarest species in Britain. Other species identified included Long-eared, Daubenton?s and Pipistrelle. Bat sites were found in 26 structures including ruins, chimneys, lime-kilns, ore shutes and leat tunnels. Most were day roosts, where bats sleep, or night roosts where they rest between expeditions. The team found a further 35 bat sites in mine shafts and tunnels, some up to half a kilometre from the entrance. Some of these are important winter hibernation sites. The survey was part of preparations for the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage project, part of which will highlight the importance of local wildlife. The work was carried out by Greena Ecological Consultancy in East Devon, who are experienced in bat survey work. The main consultant was Geoff Billington who has many years? experience of bat survey work all over the country.
