Ealing is one of the most under-recorded Boroughs of London for bats. As a key indicator species, bats signal the health of wider ecosystems. Bats can also help identify certain areas that are vital wildlife corridors and habitats.
The objective of the Bat Conservation Project is to transform a neglected area of Brent River Park (Boles Meadow) and overhaul it, creating a good habitat for bats to live and feed. In doing this work, we would also hope to increase the biodiversity of the area.
Working alongside London Bat Group and Ealing Park Rangers, we now regularly monitor and record bat populations in the area. We share these records with Greenspace Information for Greater London, the Bat Conservation Trust and the London Bat Group. Sharing these records enables our data to be part of UK-wide programmes monitoring the health of UK bat populations.
Closer to home, Ealing’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is currently in development in consultation with Ealing Wildlife Group (EWG). Bats are a focus within the BAP, with their own Species Action Plan (SAP) currently being drafted.
We were able to carry out this project after receiving a generous grant from Greggs (the baker). We used that money to transform the space at Boles Meadow as well as equip ourselves with more and better bat detecting equipment to log our data.
Header photo by Gilles San Martin
