Ecology
SPECIES SURVEYS
Client: The National Trust
Background: The Tyntesfield Estate, situated a few miles to the west of Bristol, was acquired by the National Trust in August 2002 after a national fund raising appeal. Following discovery of a large lesser horseshoe bat maternity roost and of internationally protected greater horseshoe bats, Landmark was commissioned to undertake detailed surveys to investigate bat use of the Estate.
Description: Tyntesfield Estate extends to some 200ha and comprises a Victorian gothic mansion, stable block, farm and other residential buildings, associated landscaped garden and parkland. The bat surveys aimed to identify all roost sites used at different times of the year and to plot the flight paths and major feeding grounds of the horseshoe bats. Volunteers helped with surveys, where possible, in accordance with the Tyntesfield Project Access Vision policy for community involvement.
Monthly emergence counts of known greater and lesser horseshoe bat roosts were undertaken during the summer months, and different parts of the Estate were surveyed using bat detectors and recording devices, with recordings subsequently analysed by computer. All roosts were monitored through the autumn to evaluate their importance to horseshoe bats during the mating season, and further surveys were undertaken during winter months to identify hibernation roosts.
Recommendation made in the resultant reports included an evaluation of the existing habitat, and preparation of farmland management plans to enhance habitats for horseshoe and other bat species. Advice was also given on management of existing bat roost structures and on continuing involvement of volunteers.
Landmark continues to provide bat advice to the National Trust and to oversee works during development and restoration of The Tyntesfield Estate.
Client Benefits : High quality baseline data and monitoring of use of the Estate by bats continues to inform the restoration programme and development of visitor facilities, in accordance with protected species legislation. Participation of volunteers in the surveys enriched community involvement and knowledge of Tyntesfield.
