Horringer Court Caves facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 3.8 hectares |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Horringer Court Caves is a very special natural area in Suffolk, England. It's located just outside the town of Bury St Edmunds. This site is important because it's a safe home for many bats. It covers about 3.8 hectares, which is roughly the size of five football fields.
This area has been officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) since 1983. This means it's protected by law because of its unique wildlife and natural features.
Contents
What Are Horringer Court Caves?
Horringer Court Caves are not natural caves. They are actually old chalk mines. People dug these mines a long time ago to get chalk from the ground. Today, these underground tunnels are a perfect place for bats to live.
A Home for Bats
The caves have more than 500 metres of tunnels. There are five special entrances to the caves. These entrances have grills on them. The grills let bats fly in and out freely. However, they stop people from entering. This helps to keep the bats safe and undisturbed.
Why Bats Love These Caves
Bats use these cool, dark caves for a very important reason. They use them for hibernation. Hibernation is like a deep sleep that some animals do in winter. It helps them save energy when food is scarce. The caves provide a stable temperature and quiet environment. This is perfect for bats to sleep safely through the cold months.
Bat Species at Horringer Court Caves
Many different kinds of bats visit Horringer Court Caves. Scientists have been studying the bats here for a long time. They started their research in 1947. This long study helps us understand bat populations better.
Daubenton's Bats
The most common bats found in the caves are Daubenton's bats. These bats are also known as "water bats." They often fly low over water to catch insects. They have special hairs on their feet. These hairs help them scoop up insects from the water's surface.
Rare Barbastelle Bats
The caves are also home to a very rare bat species. This is the barbastelle bat. These bats are quite special. They are not often seen in many places. Scientists have recorded barbastelle bats here eight times over 36 years. This shows how important Horringer Court Caves are for their survival.
Protecting the Caves
Horringer Court Caves are on private property. They are located within the grounds of a hotel. Because of this, the public cannot enter the site. This helps to protect the delicate environment of the caves. It also keeps the bats safe from disturbance.
Scientists and conservationists work together. They make sure the caves remain a safe haven for bats. Protecting places like Horringer Court Caves is vital. It helps to keep rare species like the barbastelle bat from disappearing.
