The Glen Chalk Caves, Bury St Edmunds, Bat conservation site in Bury St Edmunds, England
The Glen Chalk Caves are an underground tunnel system running through chalk deposits and surrounded by dense woodland. The network of passages was originally created through chalk quarrying before gaining legal protection.
The caves were created through chalk extraction in the 1800s and later recognized as winter shelter for bats. Their scientific value led to official protection status in 1986.
The caves serve as a working research station where scientists have studied bat populations continuously for generations. This long-term observation has shaped how people understand these animals and their needs.
The caves are closed from September through April during bat hibernation season to protect the animals. Visits are arranged through conservation groups who provide guidance and ensure the site remains undisturbed.
Five bat species spend winter here, including types rarely found elsewhere in Britain. The caves provide these animals with stable temperatures and humidity needed for deep hibernation.
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