In the first of a new series, we catch up with local groups who are involved in geoconservation in the Avon region. First up, Avon Wildlife Trust.
From belemnites & brachiopods to bats & bullfinches...
Avon Wildlife Trust is committed to working for people and wildlife in the local area, and we manage 35 nature reserves, some of which are also sites with outstanding geological features. One reserve which has been at the centre of our recent 'Bats for Bath' project is Brown's Folly.
Brown's Folly, Bathford. Photo credit: Avon WT |
Oolitic limestone hand specimen (left) and thin section (right). Photo credit: http://www.earthscienceeducation.com |
Bats are very fussy about their roosting sites - they need somewhere with stable temperature and ventilation levels, and the old mine tunnels under the woodland seem to suit them very well. The huge size of the mines means that areas deep down are less affected by outside variations in climate - a perfect spot to hibernate for the winter months. The Trust has installed bat grilles on the entrances of the mines in the woodland to make sure that the bats remain at peace within their hilly homes. Bats are protected by law, and the grilles also prevent access to the mines - protection for people as well as preserving peace for the bats. In spring and summer when the bats awake and come out to feed at dusk, the grassland glades of the reserve are rich with insects right on their doorstep.
Greater horseshoe bat - just one of the twelve species recorded in the caves at Brown's Folly. Photo credit: Avon WT |
Brown's Folly in Bathford is one of our most popular reserves that receives around 5000 visitors each year with most people enjoying the fantastic views from the grassland plateau across to Bath and the surrounding area, and talking long walks through the ancient woodland full of rocky fissures, giant veteran trees, mosses and ferns, and open glades that all help support the bats roosting in the caves.
You can read more about Brown's Folly and other Trust nature reserves here.
Pat Ellingham
(Avon WT Director of Communications and Development)
Look out for more information on the geology of Brown's Folly - it is soon set to feature on the blog as a RIGS of the Month.
You can read more about Brown's Folly and other Trust nature reserves here.
Pat Ellingham
(Avon WT Director of Communications and Development)
Look out for more information on the geology of Brown's Folly - it is soon set to feature on the blog as a RIGS of the Month.
There are species of wild life that are being exterminated constantly making them dwindling in numbers. We must help these organizations to save them.
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