Bat Colony
The hollow cavities within the structure of the supporting piers provide convenient roosting places for bats. These 'bat caves' have been given legal protection under the Countryside Act (1981). Bats are vulnerable to disturbance and the Act requires that only trained and licensed batworkers may enter caves and other areas where bats roost.
The Parks and Countryside Service of the London Borough of Ealing, in conjunction with Network Rail and the London Bat Group, have worked to safeguard the colonies by providing entrance grilles and hibernation shelters for each roost.
It is not clear which species of bat is resident; indeed, there may be several. Identification usually requires capture and expert knowledge. However, the most likely candidate is Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii), since this species forms colonies in caves, tunnels and under bridges, always near water (in this case, the River Brent), and is known to reside in other locations in west London.
It is quite likely that this viaduct is the largest bat cave complex in the whole of London, and possibly the south of England, as no other roost approaching this size has so far been reported.
Read more about this topic: Wharncliffe Viaduct
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