Bryanston
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST874069 | — | Favourable | 0.28 | 2019-12-04 |
Description
Area, 0.3 hectares 0.8 ac Description The large roof space in the derelict 18th century kitchens at Bryanston is the only known breeding site for the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum in Dorset and the colony is one of only 7 remaining in Britain. In addition to the building being used for breeding in summer, juveniles use the old chimneys and a tunnel during the autumn and winter. The estimated national population of this species is some 23,000 animals, confined to south west England and west Wales. The Bryanston site is of particular interest because it has been the subject of detailed study over the past 25 years. The data from this research forms the basis of much of our understanding of the reproductive behaviour and ecology of this species in Britain. The very rare Bechstein's bat Myotis bechsteinii has also been recorded here. The building was re roofed in 1981 with financial assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
Species mentioned
Show the 2 species mentioned in the description, with red-list status| English name search for this in other sites |
Latin name search with Google |
IUCN / Red List | Type | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bechstein's bat | Myotis bechsteinii | LC | bat | vespertillonidae |
| greater horseshoe bat | Rhinolophus ferrumequinum | LC | bat | vespertillonidae |