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Plans to alter Marlborough Mound face bat-related challenges

Bats may halt the partial demolition of the historic Marlborough Mound for research purposes.

July 20, 2025 at 09:37 AM

Bats could scupper plans to cut into a 4,000-year-old historic mound to allow further research

Concerns about bat roosting hinder plans to alter a 4,000-year-old landmark.

Bats threaten plans for historic Marlborough Mound preservation

Plans to partially demolish the historic Marlborough Mound for archaeological research face delays due to the potential presence of bats. The mound, known as Castle Mound, stands 62 feet tall and is one of Europe’s largest Neolithic structures. Marlborough College, which owns the site, applied in March for permission to remove buildings obstructing the west side of the mound. However, a Preliminary Roost Assessment by Wiltshire Council's ecology team indicates these buildings could serve as a habitat for roosting bats, complicating the planned renovations. Additional surveys are now needed to assess the situation further, which may lead to delays in the project.

Key Takeaways

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Marlborough Mound may not undergo planned changes due to bat concerns.

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Historic site is over 4,000 years old and has significant cultural value.

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Roadblocks signal potential delays for proposed archaeological excavations.

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Bats are a protected species under UK law, complicating demolition plans.

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Further surveys are required to understand the impact on local wildlife.

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The college aims to improve visibility and access to the mound's features.

"The buildings on site appear to have some potential for roosting bats."

This statement from Wiltshire Council's ecology team highlights the challenge for development plans.

"Demolition work will provide a great opportunity for further archaeological surveys."

Marlborough College emphasizes the research benefits of the proposed work.

The situation with Marlborough Mound highlights the ongoing conflict between preservation efforts and wildlife protection. While the college seeks to enhance the site and enable archaeological studies, ecological concerns regarding local bat populations are crucial. The case draws attention to the balance authorities must maintain between facilitating historical research and protecting natural habitats. It remains to be seen how this conflict will influence similar projects in the future, especially in areas with historical significance.

Highlights

Historic sites face modern challenges.
Bats complicate plans for historic preservation.
Ecology and archaeology collide at Marlborough Mound.
Can history coexist with nature?

Ecological concerns over historical site alterations

The plans for Marlborough Mound are at risk due to the potential impact on local bat populations, which are protected. This scenario raises questions about the balance between historic preservation and wildlife protection.

The decision expected from Wiltshire Council this August will be crucial for the future of this historic site.

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marlborough mound bats archaeology wildlife preservation history ecology archaeology

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