Winsley Mines
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST794607 | — | Favourable | 1.48 | 2008-10-01 |
Geology & landscape
Mining / Industrial: Quarry
Description
Description The two old stone mines on this site, Murhill Quarry and Winsley Rift Mine, are important hibernation sites for the rare and endangered greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. Up to 100 bats have been recorded in these mines during the winter, the majority using Murhill Quarry. It is estimated that the greater horseshoe bat population in Britain has declined by over 90 percent since 1950. This can be attributed partly to the destruction of their insect prey by use of modern pesticides and partly to destruction of and disturbance to roosting / hibernation sites. This species is now largely confined to south west England and Wales, spreading little further east than west Wiltshire. Winsley Mines have regularly provided hibernation sites for up to five percent of our greater horseshoes. Four other species of bat have been recorded using Winsley, the lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros, whiskered Myotis mystacinus, Brandt's M. brandti and Natterer's M. nattereri.
Species mentioned
Show the 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| whiskered bat | Myotis mystacinus | DD | bat | vespertillonidae |
| greater horseshoe bat | Rhinolophus ferrumequinum | LC | bat | vespertillonidae |
| lesser horseshoe bat | Rhinolophus hipposideros | LC | bat | vespertillonidae |