Abby's quarry research will benefit bats

If Abby Mullen can discover what bats need to thrive in quarries, it could help make restoration planning more effective.

She is using bat detectors, surveying wildlife and trapping insects at Batts Combe quarry in Somerset to gather data on the habitats where the protected mammals forage and feed.

“It is a really interesting project,” said Abby, who was visiting the site over the summer for her master’s degree in advanced wildlife conservation in practice at the University of the West of England.

“Quarries are potentially good areas for bats, but relatively little research has been done as they are not very accessible,” she said.

When she completes her 7,000 word dissertation, a copy will go to the lands and estates team.

Senior landscape architect Alexandra Hemming is looking forward to seeing it. “A deeper understanding of how quarry restoration can benefit bats could lead to improved restoration targeting, not only at Batts Combe but other quarries as well,” said Alexandra.