An urgent appeal has been launched to help save the home of a breeding colony of endangered bats that have migrated to a derelict horse stable.

The colony of greater horseshoe bats, which are thought to have flown up from Devon and Dorset, were discovered by a member of Sussex Bat Group in 2019.

The West Sussex site which the bats are roosting at is up for sale, with the purchase price being £200,000 - and £150,000 needed for renovation works and building enhancements such as waterproofing that will allow the colony to expand.

The Argus: There are only about 13,000 greater horseshoe bats in Britain.There are only about 13,000 greater horseshoe bats in Britain.

Dr Lucy Rogers, CEO of Vincent Wildlife Trust said that it is very important to save this bat colony after more than a century of no horseshoe bats in Sussex.

She said: “With help, this small but hugely significant colony of greater horseshoe bats could become a real biodiversity success story — a species on the road to recovery and now returning to one of its former haunts after an absence of more than a century.”

Greater horseshoe bats’ numbers are thought to only be around 13,000 - while the most common bat in Britain, the pipistrelle, has around three million across the country.

The Argus: Greater horseshoe bats have moved back to Sussex.Greater horseshoe bats have moved back to Sussex.

Dr Henry Schofield, head of conservation for the Trust said the spot should become a thriving maternity colony once the site is enhanced.

He added: "It is also hoped that this site will act as a honeypot, attracting further pioneers to this area."

The West Sussex site will be owned by Vincent Wildlife Trust as a permanent bat roosting spot. It will be managed by the Trust in along with the Sussex Bat Group.

Sheila Wright, secretary of the Sussex Bat Group noted how important this bat roosting site is.

The Argus: The derelict stable.The derelict stable.

She said: “Right now, this is probably the most important greater horseshoe bat roost site in Britain and the most significant find since the group was formed in 1984.

“As well as wardening and managing the site, there will also be opportunities for volunteers to help with the monitoring of the bats.”

The two organisations have been given nine months by the owner of the stable to raise the £200,000 to buy the property.

More information about greater horseshoe bats, the Sussex Bat Appeal and ways to donate can be found on their website.

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