# Piddington Migrant Camp Faces Wildlife Crisis

> Rare barbastelle bats discovered at planned asylum site threaten housing plans for 1,256 migrants.
- Title: Piddington Migrant Camp Faces Wildlife Crisis · Dailymail
- Summary: Rare barbastelle bats discovered at planned asylum site threaten housing plans for 1,256 migrants. Discovery of rare barbastelle bats at Piddington's planned…
- Keywords: piddington, barbastelle bats, asylum site, migrant camp, oxfordshire, home office, ministry of defence, bicester, migration, wildlife, protected species, planning application
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16139699/Piddington-migrant-camp-dealt-blow-discovery-bats-planned-asylum-site.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-09-17T17:59:15+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: piddington, barbastelle bats, asylum site, migrant camp, oxfordshire, home office, ministry of defence, bicester, migration, wildlife, protected species, planning application
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Discovery of rare barbastelle bats at Piddington's planned asylum site forces delays in housing up to 1,256 asylum seekers.