A World War II pillbox in Dorset was transformed into a bat hibernation shelter in 2025; the concrete structure once formed part of Britain’s wartime defences

A World War II pillbox in Mudeford Wood, Christchurch, Dorset, had been converted into a shelter for protected bat species. The concrete structure once served a military purpose, supporting defence and training ahead of operations such as the D-Day landings. In 2025, it was adapted to provide bats with a safe place to hibernate during winter.According to BCP Council, the project aims to support local bat populations while preserving an important part of the area's wartime history. The work also addresses anti-social behaviour and vandalism that threatened the structure. The former military shelter serves a new purpose, helping protect local wildlife while retaining its place in Christchurch's history.How a World War II pillbox in Mudeford Wood became a bat shelterThe pillbox stands in Mudeford Wood, a designated Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) known for its rich biodiversity. The site was formerly RAF Christchurch airfield, where aircraft production and military exercises took place during World War II.Two concrete pillboxes remain at the site as part of the airfield's wartime defences. One had become a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, putting its historical value and potential as a wildlife habitat at risk. After similar pillbox conversions in Suffolk and Studland, BCP Council decided to adapt the structure for bats. The completed project had given the former military shelter a new purpose, providing a potential refuge for local bat populations.The changes made to turn the pillbox into a bat shelterBCP Council's conservation team worked with Dorset bat ecologist Colin Morris to adapt the pillbox into a suitable hibernation shelter. A hibernaculum provides a secure chamber with stable temperatures and moist humidity, allowing bats to roost during hibernation while reducing the risk of interference from other mammals.The work included sealing the pillbox windows and installing a galvanised grille at the entrance. The grille allows bats to fly in and out freely while helping protect them from disturbance. These changes were designed to make the concrete structure suitable for use as a winter shelter. The project focuses on creating a secure environment for bats during an important period of their annual life cycle.Funding and new features highlight the pillbox's new purposeThe project was funded entirely through Heathland Mitigation Funding, made up of fees paid to the council by developers building new homes within a certain distance of protected heathlands. The funding supported the conversion of the pillbox into a wildlife shelter. To highlight the project and explain its purpose to residents, a commemorative sculpture had been installed at the site.New signage was also planned to inform visitors about the conservation work and the importance of bats to the ecosystem. Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, described the work as an innovative project that gives an important piece of local heritage a new purpose.Why the new shelter matters for bats in Mudeford WoodMudeford Wood supports several protected bat species, including Common Pipistrelle, Brown Long eared and Serotine bats. The new hibernaculum is intended to provide these local populations with a safe place to shelter during winter. Colin Morris said, “Protecting important sites like this, although small in stature are vital to the local population of bats and ‘once the word gets around in the batty world’ it's likely to become a regular, long-term, safe and secure haven for them during the important hibernation period. Hibernation sites are never as interesting as the summer, nursery sites and often overlooked, but without them, bats would struggle to survive.”You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.