Bats congregate in the Winspit Caves near Swanage in late summer and early fall, shooting arrows around cliffs and, if all goes well, finding a mate from a different colony. The National Trust said Monday it had acquired the farmland that included the three caves, plus one inland. “It’s basically a big party when the bats arrive,” said David Brown, National Trust ecologist for Purbeck. “They fly huge distances to favorite places like this, mingling with bats from other colonies. The caves are also ideal for bats, full of corners and crevices. Fifteen species of bats were recorded in the 350-acre Weston Farm area off the south coast of Purbeck, making it Dorset’s most important “swarm site” – and of national importance – with bats flying across the county and farther to meet and mate in the wing. Bats sweep the three caves of rocks – created by quarries for Purbeck stone – off the beach. They can also be launched into another inland cave also created by quarries. Brown said this “speed dating” was important in ensuring the genetic health of bat populations. Among the creatures found are the rare serotin and barbastelle bats. The caves are also used for hibernation for some of the UK’s rarest bats, such as the largest horseshoe. The land forms the eastern half of St Aldhem’s Head and will extend the existing Purbeck Wares property, an important habitat for orchids and other wildflowers. The coastal strip includes ancient strip lynchet systems. Brown added: “We intend to create a landscape richer in nature, so there will be no chemical inputs or regular plowing on any of the land and life will be restored to the soil using natural crop regeneration methods. “As the earth is given time to rest and recover, the soil will store more carbon and the streams flowing from the earth will be cleaner and healthier.” In the coming years, the farm, which has belonged to the same family for more than 100 years and for three generations, will be transformed into a mosaic of species-rich meadows, wildflower meadows, shrubs and woodlands. Pasture conservation of coastal meadows should restore plants such as green-winged orchids and early spiders. The renovated meadows in the former arable lands hope to bloom with cows and weeds, and these flower-rich meadows will become home to rare butterflies such as the Lulworth skipper and adonis blue. This will also open nesting sites for endangered skyscrapers. Fences, shrubs and small woodlands are intended to provide shelter for bulbs and other mammals and to create breeding grounds for birds, including yellow-tailed deer and flax. This part of the coastline is also the summer pit-stop to visit birds such as whiteflies. In addition to being good for bats, the trust says it will improve the accessibility of people who visit. “In the future, people will enjoy fantastic uninterrupted 7km access to some of the UK’s best coastline and be free to explore some of its most diverse and ecologically rich meadows,” Brown said.
