Hammond's £1.99m Mansion Hit

Richard Hammond's plans to renovate his £1.99m Welsh mansion have hit a setback after eight protected bat species were found on the property. The bats, which are protected under UK law, were identified using the 21-acre estate in Llanwenarth, Monmouthshire, to roost and hunt.

The discovery was made during a recent wildlife survey, which recorded at least two species emerging from a stone barn that Hammond had planned to renovate. The 56-year-old TV presenter had planned to add a pavilion, padel court and specially designed display rooms for his collection to the property.

However, the presence of the protected bats may require Hammond to incorporate measures to protect them into his renovation plans. This could include dedicated roosting spaces, special voids and bat boxes. A licence may be available in certain circumstances where disturbance or damage to bat habitats cannot be avoided, or where surveys and conservation work are being carried out.

## What changed The discovery of the bats has thrown a wrench into Hammond's plans to transform the property. He had described the move as an exciting new chapter, but the presence of the protected species may force him to rethink parts of his renovation plans.

## Why it matters The protection of bats is an important conservation issue in the UK. It is an offence to deliberately disturb, injure or kill bats, as well as damage or destroy their roosts and habitats. Hammond's situation highlights the need for property owners to consider the potential impact of their plans on protected species.

The property purchase comes around a year after Hammond and his wife of 23 years, Mindy Etheridge, announced that they were separating. Hammond had planned to make the Welsh mansion his new home, but the discovery of the bats may delay his plans. The estate, which spans 21 acres, offers a unique opportunity for Hammond to create a bespoke home, but he will need to balance his plans with the need to protect the protected bat species.