Ty Bach Ystlumod

Also within

Gwynedd County Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

Description

Description Tŷ Bach Ystlumod is of special interest as a breeding roost of lesser horseshoe bats Rhinolophus hipposideros. The site, which is situated behind Arthog village hall, near Fairbourne, is a small brick building that was formerly the coal store and outside toilet block for the old school. The bats use Tŷ Bach Ystlumod during the summer months, to raise their young. The bats use walls extending from the roost as flight lines to access the adjacent mature broadleaved woodland, which provides extensive feeding habitat. In Britain, a European stronghold for this species, the lesser horseshoe bat is confined to Wales, the Welsh borders and south-west England. In Europe it has disappeared from most of its northern range since 1950 and colonies appear to be declining by up to 90%. The decline in numbers of this species has been caused by loss of breeding and hibernation sites. Tŷ Bach Ystlumod is within 100m of a lesser horseshoe hibernation site, where bats over winter, and within 2km of several other hibernation sites. The population here is one of several linked populations within the Mawddach valley. This area is one of the most important areas for lesser horseshoe bats in Wales and is of European importance. Remarks: The SSSI lies within the Snowdonia National Park. The lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros is listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species.

Species mentioned