It is among a variety of efforts throughout Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex to have actually been awarded grant financing from the Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF). The devoted neighborhood fund is a collaboration in between the South Downs National Park Trust, the main independent charity for the National Park, and the South Downs National Park Authority.
The money was granted to Sussex Bat Group and Vincent Wildlife Trust to refurbish and keep a barn in West Sussex that is a crucial sanctuary for the higher horseshoe bat (the place is being concealed due to the severe level of sensitivity of the website). Once a cave-dweller, this bat types is now really unusual in the UK and tends to roost in old structures, such as churches and barns.
Daniel Hargreaves, bat program Manager, said: “Greater horseshoe bats were once considered extinct in southeast England, so to discover a maternity roost in the South Downs National Park is incredibly exciting. It demonstrates that vulnerable species can bounce back if the habitat is suitable; this vital funding has helped secure this important roost and created a safe haven for the bats.”
Vanessa Rowlands, chair of the National Park Authority, said: “We’re pleased to be able to award these grants to a variety of really inspirational projects that will aid nature recovery, celebrate heritage and create wellbeing opportunities for people of all ages.”
Applications for future SCF financing are being invited. For more info go to southdownstrust.org.uk/scf.
