Fears have been raised for the welfare of bats, after plans to install lighting along the Wandle Trail cycle path.

The new cycle Quietway would include 37 new lighting poles along the Wandle Trail between Clapham Common and Wimbledon.

This route covers Trewint Street to Wandle Meadow, and goes through the Lower Wandle nature reserve.

Wandsworth Times:

The Watermeads nature reserve on the River Wandle. Picture: David Sell

All bat species and their roosts are legally protected in Britain, making it a criminal offence to disturb a bat in its roost, damage or destroy a bat roosting place and intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to a bat roost.

In an official response to the council, the Wandle Valley Forum asked for confirmation that ‘the interventions have been shown to have no adverse impacts on this important feeding ground for bats and are consistent with the legal protection afforded to bats and their roosts’.

The forum, which is an umbrella organisation for more than 80 community groups and voluntary organisations across the Wandle Valley, is also concerned that expanding the current path to make it three metres wide would encourage higher cycling speeds.

However, they welcomed proposals to improve the underpass north of Wandle Meadow, close to Haydons Wood, and to remove unnecessary gates and barriers along the trail.

Chairman of the Wandle Valley Forum, Tony Burton, said: "In a nutshell we believe the proposals risk urbanising this wildlife-rich stretch of the Wandle Trail, introducing light pollution with the erection of 37 lighting poles and being to the detriment of the large majority of users who are not cycling.

"If the Quietway requirements cannot adapt to those of the Wandle Trail then it is not a suitable Quietway route."

The council’s interventions state: "Currently there is no lighting source for this section of the Wandle Trail making it unsuitable for pedestrians and cyclists in the hours of darkness.

"It is proposed to provide environmental sensitive lighting along the existing footpath. The lighting will be sensor-activated to meet the need of users, to orientate themselves, navigate the route and feel secure.

"The lights will only be lit for a short period whilst there is movement in the vicinity."

For more information, or to see the proposals, visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/transport-streets/cycling/cyclequietways.htm

Have you seen a bat in the nature reserve? Let us know by emailing pippa.allen@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6337.