ENDANGERED bats have been given much-needed help by Sparsholt College and the Environment Agency on the River Test.

A college student, Ken Monro, has designed six bat roosts, which have been put up along the river north of Stockbridge.

Ken, who is studying for a degree in wildlife management, spent a month with the agency on a work placement.

He designed the roosts for the roof spaces of six brick gauging stations, which monitor river flows.

"Much of our wildlife needs extra help and the bats on the River Test now have extra, safe accommodation for resting and breeding," said Ken.

He hopes to keep in touch with the agency and help the wardens who will monitor the occupancy of the roosts.

Bats are a protected species but most species are in decline partly because their roosting sites are sometimes disturbed.

Joe Stevens, of the agency's conservation and recreation team, said: "The links with academic centres of excellence like Sparsholt College are hugely important.

"Once more the college has provided us with a student capable of carrying out extremely useful and innovative work to a high standard."

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