Bats roost in driving test centre

Natterer bats now roost at a driver test centre. (Pic: John Altringham / Bat Conservation Trust)

Wildlife experts are working alongside builders in Norfolk to help bats living on a construction site.

The Pipistrelle and Natterer bats roosted at the site being redeveloped into a new driving test centre in King's Lynn.

A new specially-built permanent bat house has been put up next to where the new building will be sited, so the flying mammals can stay on the site.

Ecologists will monitor the bats to ensure they are not disturbed.

Bats are protected under British law and it is an offence to disturb, harm or kill bats, damage their roosting grounds and to possess bats whether alive or dead.

Future safeguarded

A colony of the animals was found to be living in an old shed on the site which was due to be knocked down.

Construction contractors carried out surveys of bats, put up temporary bat boxes and made checks to old buildings on the site prior to demolition to ensure none was inside.

Sarah Escott, from Natural England, said: "It's great when an organisation such as the Driving Standards Agency works with conservation agencies to help safeguard the future of our wildlife.

"Working in partnership during a development can have a real benefit for species like bats."