News | Solareye80 Bat Hat recognised in the CIEEM’s UK Bat Mitigation Guidelines

The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), a prominent professional organization for ecologists and environmental managers in the UK and Ireland, has long been recognized for producing authoritative guidance documents and best practices in ecological and environmental management. Their latest publication, the UK Bat Mitigation Guidelines, focuses specifically on strategies to protect and conserve bat populations, which are safeguarded under numerous wildlife protection laws in the UK.

Released in December of last year after nearly five years of meticulous development, these guidelines represent a comprehensive synthesis of cutting-edge research and expert insights from seasoned bat ecologists. The lengthy preparation period underscores both the vast array of new data available and the intricate challenges inherent in designing effective bat mitigation and compensation measures. Authored by Reason, P.F. and Wray, S. (2023), this version 1.1 document is a landmark contribution to the field, offering practical advice for developers and ecologists alike.

Among the appendices, Appendix 4 stands out as a treasure trove of real-world case studies. These examples showcase exemplary practices across various scenarios, including lighting solutions tailored to minimize disruptions to bat habitats. Our own case study, "Urban Riverside Lighting" (Case Study 37, pages 229-230), caught the attention of the authors due to its innovative approach to balancing human needs with bat conservation. This project utilized solar-powered, cowled waymarkers (Solareye80 Bat Hats) to create a "dark corridor" along the riverbank, ensuring minimal disturbance to a rare bat colony while providing safe pedestrian illumination.

As Will Clarke, Director at Solareye, expressed, "We’re thrilled to have our work included in the CIEEM's UK Bat Mitigation Guidelines. Special thanks go to Cody Levine, Ecology Team Leader at Worcestershire County Council, whose dedication made this possible." He continued, "Our Solareye80 Bat Hat was designed to harmonize human activity with nature. Being acknowledged by the CIEEM strengthens our product’s reputation and encourages wider adoption of sustainable lighting practices in conservation projects throughout the UK and beyond."

For those interested in learning more about this groundbreaking initiative or the urban riverside case study, the complete guidelines are available for free download on the CIEEM website. Additional resources and detailed information can also be accessed via our contact form.

In today’s world, where urbanization continues to pose threats to biodiversity, initiatives like these remind us of the importance of thoughtful design and collaboration between experts in different fields. By prioritizing bat conservation through responsible lighting solutions, we contribute to preserving vital ecosystems while meeting societal needs.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore further how similar projects could benefit your community or organization. Together, we can make strides toward a greener future!