Bat bridge

Bat bridge on the A38 Dobwalls Bypass, Cornwall, UK. (2009)

A bat bridge is a structure of varying construction crossing a new or altered road to aid the navigation of bats following the destruction of a hedgerow, and to cause the bats to cross the roadway at a sufficient height to avoid traffic. Bats are thought to follow the lines of hedgerows and woods, and removing these may confuse the bats.

The theory is that these "bridges" will be seen by the bats' sonar as linear features sufficiently similar to the old hedgerows as to provide an adequate substitute.[1] The English Highways Agency is performing a study of those on the Dobwalls bypass to determine if this assumption is justified.[when?][citation needed]

  1. ^ "New bypass going 'batty' to help the environment". Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK). April 5, 2008. Retrieved 2009-09-12.