Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network ... - Sustrans

12.3.3 Bat boxes should be sited with the front facing south east to south west, as this
allows the box to be warmed during the day. Often three bat boxes are placed on a
single tree, each facing a different aspect as this gives the bats a choice of roosting
sites, each with different environmental conditions. Specially designed bat boxes that
attach to the underside of bridges can also be purchased. These can be fixed to the
bridge masonry and, like bat bricks, mimic natural holes and cracks.
12.3.4 It should also be remembered that bird and bat boxes should be checked
periodically, both to monitor use and for cleaning (removal of old nest material etc).
12.3.5 In the case of bats, if any signs of bats (droppings) or actual bats are found in a box
during a check, that box is then considered a roost and future checks can only be
carried out by a licensed bat worker.
12.4 Log and vegetation piles
12.4.1 These can benefit a variety of species including reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates
and small mammals. They may be particularly effective in areas where there are small
breaks in the habitat. For example, where the route goes under or even over a bridge,
log and vegetation piles could be used to link up habitats. Piles of cut vegetation can
also be left to rot, as these provide food, shelter and nesting sites for reptiles. These
piles can be added to each year. It is also beneficial to place a criss-cross pattern of
branches on the ground first and then add the cuttings, as this increases ventilation
and makes access easier. All such heaps are best placed in sunny positions, close to
cover such as hedgerows, scrub and long grass.
12.5 Lighting
12.5.1 Lighting can impact on a number of night time species by affecting flight lines and
feeding patterns. Where lighting is necessary, low pressure sodium lights (typical
yellow lamps seen along the roadside) are recommended. These should be hooded
and point downwards as this will at least minimise the disturbance that the lighting
has on wildlife.
12.5.2 Special consideration should be given to lighting placed near bridges, which may
contain bat roosts. Under the WCA (1981) as amended by the CROW Act (2000), it is
illegal to deliberately or recklessly kill, injure, capture or disturb bats, obstruct access
to bat roosts or damage or destroy them. Therefore lighting that is placed too close
to a roost and causes a disturbance to the bats, or causes them to desert the roost,
may constitute an offence.
12.6 Tree maintenance
12.6.1 Nesting birds may be affected by tree maintenance so this work should only take
place outside the bird nesting season (March to early August). If work is required
during this time, trees and scrub should be checked for any nests before work
commences. If a nest is found then work cannot start in that area until the eggs have
hatched and chicks fledged.
Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007)
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