Bat barn at Hinkley Connection Project continues to thrive
A purpose-built bat barn created as part of the Hinkley Connection Project is thriving as a sanctuary for local bat species, with recent ecological monitoring confirming its growing importance as a year-round habitat.
The barn was developed after ecological surveys in 2019 and 2020 identified bat activity in a dilapidated building at Ash Trees Farm. In response, National Grid, working in close collaboration with Balfour Beatty’s ecology team, designed and constructed a bespoke bat barn near the original site to ensure local wildlife was protected during the construction of a new overhead line. The structure exceeded the requirements set out in the Development Consent Order and Natural England licence, reflecting the project’s strong commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Since welcoming its first bats in 2024, the barn has become a vital refuge. The latest 2025 monitoring survey, carried out under Bat Conservation Trust guidelines, showed a noticeable increase in bat activity, especially among lesser horseshoe bats, with five spotted during evening monitoring and around 500 droppings found inside – a clear sign the barn is being used year-round. Other bat species, including common pipistrelle, noctule, and serotine, were also seen flying and foraging nearby.
Video footage from the survey gave ecologists valuable insight into how bats are using the barn, including when they leave at dusk and how they interact with light near the entrance. These observations are part of an ongoing monitoring programme, which is required by Natural England to ensure the barn continues to support bat populations. Regular checks will continue until at least 2027, including surveys during both the maternity and hibernation seasons.
Anthony Tribble, Project Manager at National Grid said:
Protecting biodiversity is a key part of how we deliver major infrastructure projects like the Hinkley Connection Project. The success of the bat barn at Ash Trees Farm shows what’s possible when ecology is embedded into project planning from the outset. We’re proud to see this purpose-built habitat thriving and supporting protected species, and we’ll continue working with our partners to ensure its long-term success.
Tom Doyle, Environmental Sustainability Advisor at Balfour Beatty said:
We’re really pleased with the success of Ash Tree’s bat barn and feel privileged to have witnessed the remarkable diversity of bats making use of the site during recent surveys. Credit goes to the team, and their supporting contractors for the dedication, time and coordination that have made this project such a success. I look forward to helping secure the long-term future of Ash Tree’s bat barn and continuing the conservation of this wonderful European protected species.
To learn more about how the project is helping to protect and support local wildlife, please explore our previous news stories here: Caring for the environment