Fears are mounting for the safety of protected bat species in Gwynedd's Bluebell Woods, should plans for a new glamping pod development be approved. A recent survey has highlighted potential "major" impacts on the bat population if adequate mitigation strategies are not put in place.
Several species of bat, including the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, and myotis bat, have been identified on the proposed development site. These bats were observed using the woodland for flight corridors and foraging, and were noted to congregate in the south-west corner of the parkland. The survey emphasized that it is an offense to kill, injure, take, or disturb a bat, or to interfere with their roosts, breeding sites, or resting places.
Without a comprehensive mitigation strategy, the ecological impact of the development is predicted to be "major" at a national level. A primary concern is the effect of lighting on the bats' ability to access and travel through the woodland.
To address these ecological concerns, several mitigation measures have been proposed. These include maintaining a portion of the woodland to serve as a suitable flight corridor and foraging area, and preserving another section as a "dark area for bats." Additionally, the proposals suggest the installation of bat boxes, a carefully planned lighting scheme that minimizes light spill through properly positioned and shielded lighting, along with the planting of standard trees and 20 smaller trees and hedging.