Essex Biodiversity Project

The Essex Biodiversity Project has provided bat detectors for use by the Harlow Wildspace! officer during guided walks and survey work.

In the winter of 2005, the Essex Biodiversity Project provided financial support and technical expertise to the River Colne Countryside Project in their initiative to build bat hibernacula. (Hibernacula are suitable places in which bats can hibernate during the winter.)

We converted two World War 2 pill boxes into hibernacula in the River Colne valley. This involved adding metal doors to prevent any intrusion by people or other animals and to help keep the temperature constant and the installation of special 'bat bricks', designed with bat-friendly holes.

For further information, please contact Simon Amstutz.

We have organised the building and distribution of bat boxes to appropriate sites around the county. We have also provided guidance to the landowners on the siting of the boxes.

For  detailed information about bats, see the Bat Conservation Trust website, and the Essex Bat Group website (which includes some videos of bats).