CONVERTING a World War II bunker for bats is one of the measures National Highways has taken to help support wildlife alongside the A417 Missing Link scheme.

This £460million scheme aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The converted structure and other measures will help bats living alongside the A417 Missing Link, such as the lesser horseshoe (left) and greater horseshoe (right), pictured in a caveThe converted structure and other measures will help bats living alongside the A417 Missing Link, such as the lesser horseshoe (left) and greater horseshoe (right), pictured in a cave (Image: National Highways)

Due to the vast amount of construction on this project, plans have been announced to help preserve the surrounding Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wildlife that lives within it.
 
A bunker is one of four structures - which will eventually be covered by vegetation and hidden from sight - that will be converted into a home for local species of bats including the Lesser Horseshoe and Barbastelle.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The converted World War II bunker, which will eventually be covered by vegetation and hidden from sight, is one innovative way National Highways is helping to support bats and wildlifeThe converted World War II bunker, which will eventually be covered by vegetation and hidden from sight, is one innovative way National Highways is helping to support bats and wildlife (Image: National Highways)

Bat boxes will also be installed in suitable habitats across the scheme.

A team of ecologists will be onsite at all times to ensure the wildlife projects are implemented correctly.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: National Highways is also installing bat boxes in suitable habitat across the scheme, which although not obvious to passing motorists, provide vital homes for the batsNational Highways is also installing bat boxes in suitable habitat across the scheme, which although not obvious to passing motorists, provide vital homes for the bats (Image: National Highways)

The ecologists have also been busy relocating reptiles -  including baby common lizards, slow worms and Roman snails -  away from construction areas.

Green bridges will also be lifted into place to ensure animals can cross the new road safely.

Plans to plant trees, hedges, woodland and grasslands have also been announced.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: A baby common lizard relocated as part of the biodiversity work on the schemeA baby common lizard relocated as part of the biodiversity work on the scheme (Image: National Highways)

Celine Acard, senior project manager for the A417, said: “We know how much people love the wildlife that makes its home alongside routes like the A417, and roads like this can often they can be oases for biodiversity. 
 
“When situated alongside linear infrastructure, such as A-roads, habitats can create crucial corridors for pollinating insects, birds and small mammals, enabling wildlife to permeate the wider landscape.
 
“It’s vitally important that we protect the surrounding countryside and wildlife that makes it home there when we build these transformative scheme - not only for this generation but for the many generations to come to enjoy."
 
Natasha James, ecological clerk of works, said: “It is vitally important to preserve, protect and enhance the habitat of the wildlife within our site and our surroundings. 
 
“Bats will feed within the area around their roosts, which can be up to 10km or more depending on the species. 

"It is therefore important that we provide habitat protection throughout our site as the bats fly between their roosts and feeding grounds."

To find out more about the A417 Missing Link and for the latest scheme updates visit tinyurl.com/mu3rs6nf