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Piddington Migrant Camp Faces Wildlife Crisis
Rare barbastelle bats discovered at planned asylum site threaten housing plans for 1,256 migrants.
In brief
Rare barbastelle bats discovered at planned asylum site threaten housing plans for 1,256 migrants. Discovery of rare barbastelle bats at Piddington's planned asylum site forces delays in housing up to 1,256 asylum seekers. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Piddington migrant camp dealt blow
Piddington migrant camp set to be opened near Oxfordshire village faces setback after discovery of one of world's rarest bats at planned asylum site.
Barbastelle bats detected
Wildlife experts detected barbastelle bats, a rare species whose numbers have declined across Europe, at MoD Bicester site.
Asylum housing delayed
Discovery could lead to severe delays or cancellation of plans to house up to 1,256 asylum seekers on Ministry of Defence Bicester site.
Endangered species status
Barbastelle bats are on endangered species red list and so rare that Norfolk county council cancelled £274million road project in 2025 after discovery.
Home Office response
Home Office will commission special surveys to determine bat colony size and nature before applying for building licence from Natural England.
Previous wildlife issue
Home Office faced another wildlife headache after great crested newts were discovered at same asylum site.
Piddington independence vote
Piddington residents voted overwhelmingly to declare independence from Britain with 285 out of 312 votes supporting secession.
Voting details
Of 312 votes there was 92 per cent turnout with 285 villagers backing independence and only 26 voting against it.
Voting significance
The vote has no legal force but campaigners hope it sends message to Westminster about asylum accommodation plans.
Ecological report
Ecological report for campaign group Wrong Plan, Wrong Site states barbastelles have legal weight to halt, delay or force withdrawal of asylum planning application.
Ecological survey requirement
Discovery could force developer to halt demolition work until full multi-season dusk and dawn emergency surveys are performed.
Ecologist confirmation
Pedro Collins, former Environment Agency biodiversity officer, claims 100 per cent certainty it is barbastelle bats detected.
Barbastelle significance
Barbastelles are one of the rarest mammals in the UK and elevates site's importance from local to national and European level.
Home Office housing plan
Home Office sought permission for temporary use of former Bicester Garrison for up to 1,256 people including accommodation and health facilities.
Parish council reaction
Parish council chairman Tim McNally called vote 'Battle for Britain' and described residents as 'underdogs' with 'plucky idea'.
Government response
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said government would not reconsider migrant housing proposal and burden should not fall on poorer communities.
The key point
Discovery of rare barbastelle bats at Piddington's planned asylum site forces delays in housing up to 1,256 asylum seekers.
