Image: National Highways
A whiskered bat, a small species found in Britain, was discovered hibernating inside the disused hut during an ecological survey in autumn 2024, according to National Highways. Because the hut was in poor condition, with graffiti-covered walls and openings that left it exposed to the elements, the discovery surprised the team. In autumn 2024 a tunnel was due to receive minor repairs, and the ecological survey carried out by partner Jacobs revealed an old, disused hut beside it. Because the structure was in poor condition, an ecologist working on the site said in comments published by National Highways that the discovery was a surprise,.
Children had clearly been messing about in it, graffiti covered the walls and it was open to the elements, whereas bats usually “prefer somewhere that is more enclosed”. Whiskered bats are among Britain’s native bat species and use sheltered spaces to roost and hibernate through the colder months. Finding one inside the abandoned railway structure prompted the team to explore how it could be adapted to provide safer, more suitable conditions for bats in winter and summer. The hut was not part of the planned works, but the team checked it anyway.
