Bat boxes installed alongside A303 in conservation efforts by National Highways in Somerset

Bat boxes are being installed down the A303 corridor in efforts to help preserve the local wildlife.

Bat boxes, 300m of dead hedging and supplementary feeding and planting are among the innovative measures National Highways is taking to help support a population of nine species of bats that have made their home in Somerset.

National Highways say they are going the 'extra mile' to help preserve the species that made their home along the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester.

In the UK, bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and are listed as near threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

With the measures in place, a total of 220 bat boxes are being installed by National Highways, as well as 300m of dead hedging said to be a 'perfect hideaway' for the creatures along the route.

They're also planting trees and hedges, growing woodland, and maintaining wetlands to improve the sustainability of the A303 corridor, a home to many small mammals.

Environmental specialists have also installed cameras - so they can keep a check on their health.

Elliot Hayes, Senior Project Manager on the A303 Sparkford scheme, said: “People might not give much thought to the wildlife that makes its home alongside routes like the A303 while on their journeys, but often they can be oases for wildlife.

“When situated alongside linear infrastructure, such as A-roads, habitats can create crucial corridors for pollinating insects, birds and small mammals, enabling wildlife to permeate the wider landscape.

“It’s vitally important that we protect the surrounding countryside and wildlife that makes it home there when we build these transformative schemes - not only for this generation but for the many generations to come to enjoy.

“It’s also fascinating to see the wide variety of bats in this region, something we are determined to support as we move forward.”

Nicola Sugden, Environmental Manager for contractor Galliford Try, added: “It is important to preserve, protect and enhance the habitat of the animals within our site and our surroundings.

“Bats will feed within the area around their roosts, which can be up to 10km. It is therefore important that we provide hedgerow protection throughout our site as the bats fly between their roosts and feeding grounds.

“It is also essential to ensure that these habitats are protected for bats and if necessary to remove them they are replaced."

National Highways got in touch with chartered ecologists for the scheme, and have also implemented a 'biodiversity mitigation plan'.

This means they're hoping to see a 'positive contribution' with populations of birds and bats in the area.

Of the 18 species of bats in the UK, National Highways has found nine on the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme:

• Barbastelle
• Brown long-eared
• Common pipistrelle
• Leisler's bat
• Lesser horseshoe
• Myotis sp.
• Noctule
• Serotine
• Sporano pipistrelle

Along with the bat boxes, the scheme - run by National Highways - has seen 35 bird boxes installed, as well as 190 boxes for dormouse and two 'hibernacula' (a place where small mammals can find refuge).

It's also set to see an animal crossing under the A303 and a reinstatement of wildlife ponds.

National Highways will be managing these habitats moving forward, including monitoring dormouse numbers for six years after the scheme is completed.

You can find out more about the scheme here.

You can read more about bats on the Bat Conservation Trust's website.

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