We are excited to unveil the latest home within the Orchard Grove community: a remarkable ‘bat house’ designed to protect and support the local bat population.

Nestled within the site, this innovative structure is a testament to our commitment to the environment and sustainable development.

In our journey to create a garden community, our ecologists conducted a thorough assessment of the area. During this process, it was discovered that a small number of bats had taken refuge in the former industrial buildings earmarked for demolition. Understanding the importance of preserving their habitat, plans for the bat house were carefully crafted and approved by Natural England.

What makes this bat house special is its thoughtful design, tailored to meet the unique needs of various bat species, including lesser horseshoe bats and pipistrelles. From summer roosting to winter hibernation, every detail has been considered to provide a safe haven for these creatures. Complete with a covered area for nightly exploration, the bat house offers a sanctuary where bats can thrive year-round.

The bat house is more than just a structure – it’s a vital component of our ecosystem. Alongside bats, it provides habitat for other wildlife such as hazel dormice, reptiles, and birds, enriching the biodiversity of Orchard Grove.

Our commitment to environmental conservation doesn’t end here; the team from EAD Ecology will monitor the bat house, ensuring it remains in prime condition to support our local bat populations for generations to come.