Combe Down and Bathampton Down Mines

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 51.3606, -2.3342

Condition (Natural England)

Unfavourable Recovering (3) Favourable (9)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
ST747624 Unfavourable Recovering 0.05 2010-07-21
ST748624 Unfavourable Recovering 0.05 2010-07-21
ST755622 Favourable 0.34 2010-07-21
ST756622 Favourable 0.34 2010-07-21
ST759623 Unfavourable Recovering 0.04 2010-07-21
ST767622 Favourable 0.08 2010-07-21
ST768622 Favourable 0.08 2010-07-21
ST768624 Favourable 0.02 2010-07-21
ST770625 Favourable 0.14 2010-07-21
ST776653 Favourable 3.59 2010-07-21
ST777650 Favourable 0.74 2010-07-21
ST777652 Favourable 1.25 2010-07-21

Description

Description Combe Down and Bathampton Down Mines are disused, underground stone workings, a number of which are interconnected, situated on the outskirts of Bath. They provide important hibernation sites for the rare and endangered greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, being used by significant numbers of animals from more than one breeding site. The mine entrances allow the bats to use the underground systems, in addition to providing essential ventilation, an important feature of bat hibernation sites. The mines are also important hibernation sites for a number of other bat species; the lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros commonly occurs and the brown long eared Plecotus auritus, Natterer's Myotis nattereri, whiskered Myotis mystacinus and Daubenton's M. daubentoni have also been regularly recorded. All species of bat are protected under Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended.

Species mentioned

English name
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Latin name
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IUCN / Red List Type Family
whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus DD bat vespertillonidae
Natterer's bat Myotis nattereri LC bat vespertillonidae
brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus LC bat vespertillonidae
greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum LC bat vespertillonidae
lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros LC bat vespertillonidae