Posted on 28th Oct
Newark and Sherwood District Council is working with Newark College to offer free bat boxes to local schools. The boxes are being crafted by students at Newark College and local schools are now being invited to apply for their own box.
The council is funding the materials and managing distribution for the project as part of their goal to support and increase biodiversity in the district.
Coun Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for Climate and the Environment, said: “”We were thrilled to see students from Newark College fully engaged in this collaborative biodiversity project. They gained valuable, hands-on experience in every aspect of the design process, from ensuring the bat houses are watertight to understanding how the grooves assist bats in climbing inside. We’re incredibly proud of the students for delivering such high-quality work.
“In the UK, we’re fortunate to have 18 resident bat species, which make up nearly a quarter of our native mammals. However, their populations have faced significant declines over the past century. Bats remain threatened by habitat loss, roost disturbances caused by building developments, and cat attacks. We’re excited to donate these new bat homes to primary and secondary schools across the district, helping protect these vital creatures. Thank you to Newark College for making this project a reality.”
Penny Taylor, head of Newark College, added: “Newark College is delighted to be part of the project and this leads to our purpose of being employer led. Our students have followed a brief, designed the bat box and then manufactured them, allowing the students to develop their work-based and personal development skills in a purposeful project.”
Primary and secondary schools interested in applying for a box should contact Matt Adey, development manager for Environmental Services at the council by emailing matt.adey@newark-sherwooddc.
