Graven Hill bats prove wildlife can coexist with housing

"When surveys in 2015 revealed bat roosts in abandoned buildings and woodland, Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) applied for a licence from Natural England to ensure demolition work wouldn't harm the species. Simon Dowell, ecologist at Waterman Infrastructure & Environment, said: "It's great that we can provide for ecology alongside development." The licence required the creation of new roosts, continuous monitoring, and mitigation measures across the phased construction of 650 homes."

"In 2021, GHVDC installed 45 bat boxes strategically across the site, designed to avoid residential disturbance while allowing wildlife enthusiasts to observe the bats at dusk. Gemma Davis, customer experience director at GHVDC, commented: "The bat project is a fantastic example of how thoughtful planning, ecological expertise, and community awareness can deliver lasting benefits." The boxes range in size, with hibernation features capable of holding hundreds of bats, providing safe, purpose-built habitats."

Graven Hill implemented a bat conservation scheme during phased construction of 650 homes after 2015 surveys found roosts in abandoned buildings and woodland. A Natural England licence required creation of new roosts, continuous monitoring, and mitigation measures. In 2021 GHVDC installed 45 strategically placed bat boxes designed to avoid residential disturbance while enabling dusk observation. Hibernation-equipped boxes can hold hundreds of bats. Active roosts increased from eight in 2024 to 11 in 2025. Over half of the UK's 18 bat species have been recorded on site, including common and soprano pipistrelles, Natterer's bat, and brown long-eared bats. Further roost provision is planned.

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