Bat monitoring: A465 Section 1
Abergavenny to Gilwern
Client: BAM Nuttall Ltd /Welsh Assembly Government
The construction of Section 1 of the A465 Abergavenny to Gilwern Improvement has a potential effect upon the integrity of the Usk Bat Site Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - designated for its importance as hibernation and maternity roosts for the Lesser Horseshoe Bats. The primary requirement within the scheme in relation to the SAC is the construction of bat underpasses and maintenance of bat flight patterns.
An extensive bat monitoring plan was prepared and agreed with CCW and the monitoring was commenced in 2005 using hand held counters as part of a monthly monitoring programme.
A provisional programme of twelve years has been agreed for monitoring using static bat counters. The duration of the monitoring programme will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure the success of the mitigation measures being implemented.
