AN ABANDONED Second World War pillbox on the banks of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal is being transformed into a wildlife haven over the coming months.

The project, being run by the Canal & River Trust and community volunteers, will see the mini-fortress and surrounding land in Creech St Michael turned into wildlife habitats.

This year marks 75 years since the construction of the Taunton Stop Line - a defensive frontier manned by a real life Dad’s Army.  During the war, lines of pillboxes were built to hold up any invading tanks and troops.

The Home Guard soldiers stationed inside them inspired the BBC sitcom, with a new film version due to hit cinemas next year.

Typically plain concrete boxes, the pillbox near Creech St Michael is unusual in having formally been a lock keepers cottage at the old junction of the Somerset Coal Canal or the Chard Arm, cast inside with concrete to reinforce its walls.

Local volunteers will join experts from the Trust to transform the structure into a refuge for bats, surrounded by a pond and a wildflower meadow.

Habitat loss has been a major factor in the recent national decline of these fascinating mammals, who rely on cave-like places to safely rear their young.

By kitting-out the inside of the pillbox with spaces for the crevice dwelling species to roost, and securing the door from disturbance by people, this relic of the war will provide a bat mansion set in a prime location.

All 18 species of bats in the UK feed solely on insects so the wildflower meadow and pond will attract this food source, giving the bats an ‘all you can eat’ diner on their doorstep. 

Heritage advisor at the Canal & River Trust, David Viner, said: “The pillbox is an interesting example of the defensive structures built in 1940 at the most critical part of the war, and adds to the rich history around the canal.

“While there are quite a number remaining, it’s tricky to find new uses for them, because they are fairly small and not very adaptable.  Converting this one into a bat hideaway is a perfect use for it, as it both protects the building and local wildlife.

“It is so important that we preserve buildings like this, as they are such an integral part of our history. I’d like to thank our volunteers for all their effort so far and look forward to getting the work finished in the spring.”

To find out more about volunteering with the Trust visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteering or call 0303 0404040.