Bat Habitat – Coming Soon

The farm buildings which were part of Southleaze Farm have been home to Common Pipistrelle and Brown Long-eared Bats. Alongside the barn removal, additional bat boxes have been added to nearby trees and a new larger home for bats installed. The Bat Cave is formed by a 2m by 4m half buried pipe with crevices ideal for bats.

Now, the bats have a brand new, purpose-built replacement ‘bat cave’ designed to recreate their lost habitat. The underground structure includes cavity walls, free flight space, and hanging areas that mimic natural features used by these species. Planted surroundings and fencing ensure the area remains undisturbed, while a secure entrance allows licensed ecologists to carry out monitoring.

Working with our ecologists at Keystone, we’re proud to support bat conservation work at Wichelstowe, where:

We’ve designed and planted foraging corridors
Created ‘bat hops’ and eco-passages over and under roads
Developed rich foraging habitats including ponds, grasslands, orchards, and wetlands
Installed roost features via veteranised trees and around 100 bat boxes on new buildings and established trees

11 bat species have been recorded at Wichelstowe so far, including: Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Serotine, Daubenton’s, Brown Long-eared, Natterer’s, Leisler’s, Noctule, Barbastelle, Lesser Horseshoe, and Greater Horseshoe.

The Bat Cave was formally unveiled on Halloween 2025.

Spooktacular new bat cave opens at Wichelstowe – Wichelstowe – The Trails