Knapp and Knowle

This final instalment focuses on the "superstars" of the Knapp and Knowle cluster: the bats. While many species call this network home, the unique architecture of the former council buildings at The Knowle has created one of the most significant bat sanctuaries in the region.

The Knowle is famous in the ecological community for hosting what is potentially the largest maternity colony of Lesser Horseshoe Bats in Devon. As of 2026, the site is recognised as a "regionally important" hub for bat biodiversity.

1. The "Headline" Species: Lesser Horseshoe Bat

The Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) is the primary conservation focus at The Knowle.

• Maternity Roost: These bats require large, warm, undisturbed roof spaces where they can hang freely—a requirement perfectly met by the original 19th-century villa and redundant offices.

• Abundance: It is estimated that hundreds of females congregate here each summer to pup.

• Foraging: The site acts as a "sustenance zone," providing immediate access to high-quality feeding grounds in the surrounding parkland and arboretum.

2. A Diverse Roosting Network

The complex architecture of The Knowle supports several different species, each utilising a different "niche" of the buildings:

Species Roost Location Sensitivity

Lesser Horseshoe Open internal voids and attics High: Requires total darkness and large space.

Brown Long-eared Ridge beams of older attic voids High: Highly sensitive to light and noise.

Common & Soprano Pipistrelles Crevices under roof tiles and fascia boards Medium: More urban adaptable but require high forage.

Serotine Bat High, warm eaves of older buildings Medium: Uses Sidmouth as a "stepping stone" between coast and valley.

3. Conservation in the Face of Change

With the redevelopment of The Knowle into a retirement community, strict legal protections are in place to ensure these colonies survive:

• The "Bat House": A dedicated, purpose-built structure has been included in the master plan to provide a permanent, safe alternative roosting site.

• Emergence Zones: Lighting in 2026 is strictly managed to ensure "emergence points"—where bats leave the buildings at dusk—remain in total darkness.

• Dark Corridors: A strictly enforced policy ensures the grounds remain a "Dark Corridor" for these light-sensitive species to navigate safely.