Installation of 60 bat boxes marks next phase of Underbank reservoir project

The installation of 60 bat boxes in newly established woodland near Yorkshire Water’s Underbank reservoir is the latest phase in a three-year project to improve habitat in the area.

The utility company, in collaboration with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) and South Yorkshire Bat Group, has identified sites within woodland to locate the homes.

Once in place, the bat boxes will be monitored to understand the distribution, species richness and diversity of bats within the woodland as it matures.

Phil Tennyson, recreation coordinator at Yorkshire Water, said: “The installation of 60 bat boxes is the latest phase of a partnership between a number of Yorkshire based organisations to deliver exceptional land for people living in the region.

“With the help of SRWT and the Sheffield Lakeland team we have been able to make great strides around Underbank reservoir in improving habitats for wildlife and increasing biodiversity.”

The installation of bat boxes is the latest phase of work in the area, which has been undertaken as part of the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership, a lottery funded project to enhance and restore habitats across large areas of land in the region.

Recent projects include the planting of trees in spring 2020 to connect existing areas of woodland to create an enriched and enlarged home for nature, as well as the creation of new ponds to increase the riparian habitat and attract wading species.

Keith Tomkins, who manages the Sheffield Lakeland Partnership, believes this sort of partnership working is essential.

“It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we are able to develop these partnerships, working together across a landscape to help protect wildlife and heritage. The innovative approach to land management taken by Yorkshire Water in this partnership is an example of what can be achieved.”