Fonthill Grottoes

Also within

Wiltshire County Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs Scenic Area

Condition (Natural England)

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Cave / Cavern · Mining / Industrial: Quarry

Landscape processes: Karst

Description

Description Fonthill Grottoes is a set of three subterranean follies dating from the eighteenth century, sited in mixed broad leaved and ornamental woodland around an ornamental lake. These are regularly used as hibernacula by seven species of bat, greater horseshoe Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, lesser horseshoe Rhinolophus hipposideros, Natterer's Myotis nattereri, Daubenton's M. daubentoni, whiskered Myotis mystacinus, Brandt's M. brandti and brown long eared Plecotus auritus. The very rare Bechstein's Myotis bechsteinii and barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus bats have also been recorded from the site in several recent years. The three follies are of different construction. The Dark Walks is a set of tunnels constructed of large stone blocks with earth heaped over them. Gaps between their regular blocks provide hibernation sites for vespertilinoid bats. Ventilation shafts ensure a range of temperature within the site. The Hermitage is the smallest folly, consisting of a single cave with rock walls. The Quarry comprises tunnels cut back into the rock from a disused quarry. This is the largest of the follies and supports the majority of the horseshoe bats using the grottoes. Despite the small size of this site it is of considerable importance. The maximum number of bats recorded here is 207 which is the sixth largest hibernaculum count in Britain. The presence here of Bechstein's and barbastelle bats is especially noteworthy as very few hibernacula are known for either species.

Species mentioned