Holcim Granulats France

Objective

To integrate an alluvial sand pit into a Natura 2000 area aiming to protect a population of Chiroptera population (SIC FR2601012, habitats for bats).

Context

The current sand pit is partially already included already in the Natura 2000 site. In particular, the involved Natura 2000 sub-area is delimited according to the presence of a large population of greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) during the reproduction period in a building located about 2 kilometers away from the quarry and extended to the associated hunting territory.

Solution

An advanced ecological assessment was conducted on a wide study area in order to identify the relevance of the different existing habitats in relation to chiroptera. In this aim, the scientific experts on Chiroptera were consulted and several evenings were spent to conduct prospection on about a 100 hectares area (meadow, wildland, forest, etc.).

Result

Following the results of the assessment, the project is delimited on an area of poplar plantation which has not been much used by the Chiroptera, and, more generally, does not present a great interest for fauna and flora.

In addition, actions have been undertaken to fulfill some objectives of the Natura2000 site:

- Creation of meadow in order to increase the hunting area of the greater mouse-eared bat;

- Dead and senescent trees conservation to favour new shelters;

- Plantation of more than 1 kilometer of hedges for Chiroptera’s flights and hunting.

Partners

Philippe LUSTRAT – AD’MISSIONS: Assessment and propositions of actions;

Société d’Histoire Naturelle d’Autun: recommendation for the support of Chiroptera’s population.