Withcall and South Willingham Tunnels

Also within

Lincolnshire County Lincolnshire Wolds Scenic Area

Condition (Natural England)

Description

Description Withcall and South Willingham Tunnels are nationally important large bat hibernacula for a mixed assemblage of species which includes Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri, Daubenton’s bat M. daubentoni, brown long eared bat Plecotus auritus, Brandt’s bat Myotis brandtii and whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus. General description These two brick built railway tunnels once formed part of the Louth – Bardney railway line within the Wolds of rural Lincolnshire. This part of the line closed in1960. The internal environmental conditions of these now disused tunnels provide a wide range of underground microclimates, which are regularly utilized by large numbers of hibernating bats during the winter months. A diverse assemblage of at least five species of bat have so far been recorded roosting within the tunnel interiors; Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri regularly occur in the largest numbers, with Daubenton’s bat M. daubentoni, brown long eared bat Plecotus auritus, Brandt’s bat Myotis brandtii and whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus. The latter two are difficult to identify in the field but both have been recorded here. These species are generally widespread across England but are increasingly threatened by the continuing loss of breeding and hibernation roosts. Examples of such large hibernacula are rare in the East Midlands. Other information This is a new site and is located within the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB.

Species mentioned