Train tunnel in Caernarfon to be new bat home

The tunnel will be closed off to provide a roost for the bats

Bats are to be given a new home in a redundant railway tunnel on a cycle track in Caernarfon.

It is hoped their new home, created by Gwynedd council by blocking off a tunnel on the Lôn Eifion cycle track, will also cut anti-social behaviour.

Gwynedd is an important area for the lesser horseshoe bats which have become extinct in parts of Britain.

It is hoped that the old tunnel will be an ideal roost for lesser horseshoe bats and a place for bats to hibernate.

Mark Balaam, Gwynedd council's senior countryside warden, said the tunnel would be blocked off, with a bat grill at one end.

"This will create a clean and safe habitat and we hope it will become a permanent roost for bats," he said.

"The tunnel is ideally situated near feeding sites and we are optimistic that this will help develop an already rich eco-system," he added.

Mr Balaam said Gwynedd is one of the most important areas for lesser horseshoe bats in Europe.

"This species is now extinct from parts of Britain because of a loss of habitat and breeding sites, so we hope this tunnel will become an ideal home for them," he added.

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