Ecologists focus on tree work to protect bats (From York Press)

Ecologists focus on tree work to protect bats

8:45am Thursday 3rd November 2011 in Eco info

ECOLOGISTS have been supervising work on trees in York to ensure bats are protected.

Inspectors contracted by the Environment Agency identified several trees they believed could pose a risk to people or block access for workers maintaining flood banks at Clifton Ings, with specialist tree surgeons being called in to prune them.

Environment Agency ecologist Sue Penn supervised the project as the area is well-known for bats, and although none of the creatures or roosts were found, she said: “We’ll also be doing some tree work at Rawcliffe Meadows, which I will keep a close eye on.”

A bat survey carried out in York over the summer discovered a range of species, with the Ings being a popular area for bats as they support a variety of insects which are a staple of their diet.