Bat detectives hired to locate bat activity on Lune Aqueduct
16 August 2010
British Waterways has appointed specialist Bat Ecologists to locate and map the movements of these small mammals in and around the iconic Lune Aqueduct structure, which carries the picturesque Lancaster Canal over the River Lune.
During the last four weeks experts from Ecology Services UK led by Patrick Waring (Director of Ecology) have been on site at sunset with specialist ultrasonic echolocation equipment to identify if these fascinating creatures have been roosting in and around the Grade I listed aqueduct.
Canals and Rivers are ideal places for bats they provide them with water they need to rehydrate, commuting – flight paths to and from roosting sites and attract a myriad of flying insects which provide a ready feast for these seldom seen nocturnal mammals.
Results so far have identified several species feeding and roosting near the site, with Soprano and Common Pipistrelle being abundant. The final bat survey will take place on Tuesday 17th August.
British Waterways will be using the results from the bat surveys to form part of a series of vital studies and surveys of the site, which forms the cornerstone of ambitious plans to develop the Lancaster Canal as a key visitor centre and regional economic generator.
The detailed plans will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in September, and hopefully work will start early in 2011 if the full funding for £2m application is granted.
The plans will make the Grade I listed aqueduct more accessible and visually appealing to visitors, in addition to underpinning the structural integrity of the aqueduct for decades to come.
Steve Higham, regeneration manager, British Waterways said: ”The bat surveys we have been undertaking are vital to see if there are any bat species roosting in or near the Lune Aqueduct structure and River corridor.
The information gathered will be used to plan the works carefully and to ensure we don’t disturb any bat habitats that may be at the aqueduct. We are hoping to submit the final application to HLF for the funding grant of £2m in the next few weeks.”
ENDS
Media enquiries to Helen Hall, Marketing & Communications Executive 07717 760284.
EDITORS NOTES
The proposed programme of works include restoring the historic masonry and brickwork and improving access between the aqueduct and the River Lune, and also large scale landscaping works which will increase the prominence of the aqueduct against the landscape. There are also plans for a sympathetic lighting scheme for this magnificent structure
Once the works are complete, the aqueduct can be utilised as an important environmental, heritage and educational resource for local residents, schools and tourists.
The scheme will be completed with an interpretation plan tied to the canal heritage and environment which will include a teaching resource aimed at the schools.
The UK canal system was key to the industrial revolution, with the Lancaster Canal being the main conduit for the economic development of Cumbria and Lancashire for over 100 years.
The Canal was built during the 1790s with John Rennie being appointed as it’s Chief Engineer. Built between 1794-97, and possibly the singular best piece of Rennie’s work, the Lune Aqueduct is the most impressive feature of the whole canal, carrying the canal 50 feet above the River Lune of over 600ft.
British Waterways cares for a 2,200-mile network of canals and navigable rivers throughout Britain, working to provide a sustainable future for the inland waterways and generate maximum benefit and enjoyment to all from this unique environmental and leisure resource. We work with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to unlock the potential of the inland waterways and generate income for reinvestment in the waterways for the benefit of the millions who visit and care for the waterways every year. www.britishwaterways.co.uk