02/10/2026
A new bat survey of Courtown Woods has found that the woodland supports six of the eight resident bat species known in County Wexford, highlighting its importance for local wildlife.
The survey was carried out in August by licensed bat specialist Dr.Tina Aughney, commissioned by Courtown Riverchapel Community Development Group (CRCDG) through funding awarded by Bat Conservation Ireland. The species recorded were the Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Leisler's bat, Daubenton's bat, Natterer's bat and Brown Long-Eared bat, all of which are protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
Soprano pipistrelles and Daubenton's bats were also recorded roosting under the arches of Ballinatray Bridge and the report notes that the woodland's mix of tree species and ages is likely to provide roosts for all the species found.
The report recommends a Bat Box Scheme and 22 trees across the woodland have already been marked as suitable. CRCDG and Wexford County Council's Biodiversity Officer & Heritage Officer are working together on the survey's recommendations, including the Bat Box Scheme, which would come at no cost to the landowners. Pending permission, CRCDG also hopes to create a dedicated Bat Trail, giving local families, schools and visitors a chance to learn more about our native bats. The woodland trails in Courtown Woods are a valuable amenity for visitors and the entire community.
The report also recommends that CRCDG take part in Bat Conservation Ireland's national monitoring programmes, the All Ireland Daubenton's Bat Waterway Survey along the Owenavarragh River and the Woodland Monitoring Survey, with routes already mapped through the woods. Once in place, the bat boxes would be registered with Bat Conservation Ireland and checked each year by a licensed bat ecologist, building a long-term record of the woodland's bats.
CRCDG is keen to see the Gorey to Courtown connection completed in the best possible way. In light of the survey and subject to agreement with the landowners, the group proposes linking it through Courtown Woods using the existing woodland trails as they are. The only new element would be a small footbridge further downstream, where an old bridge once stood, which would also link the walking trails on either side of the river. This would offer a safe, traffic-free route for families and visitors with minimal impact on the protected woodland. The report advises that any works to Ballinatray Bridge would need further surveys and may require a derogation licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
CRCDG believes that this route offers the most effective way to protect the roosts and safeguard the area's sensitive heritage, while also enabling the project to be delivered in a timely and cost-effective way.
Biodiversity Ireland Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Coillte Active Tribe Courtown Adventure & Leisure Wexford Bat Group Wexford Walking Trails
