Investment of 80 million euros for bat conservation in the Hesse-Bahn railway project

The Hermann-Hesse Railway, a long-awaited project connecting Calw and Weil der Stadt, is still not operational. However, a significant development is underway to ensure the resumption of train services while protecting a unique and vital bat population.

A second tunnel is being built in Calw, specifically for the bats. This innovative approach, a first in Germany, is being spearheaded by the Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU). The bat tunnel project aims to provide a safe passage for the approximately 1,400 individual bats residing in the affected tunnels, 14 out of 16 bat species in Baden-Württemberg overwintering in these very tunnels.

The construction of the bat tunnel has been delayed due to the presence of bats in the original tunnels. To mitigate this, compensatory measures are being implemented, including the creation of orchards and a forest pasture to provide food for the bats. Ultrasonic loudspeakers are also being set up to deter bats from flying into the train tunnel and encourage them to use the bat tunnel instead. Special signposts are being provided to help bats find the designated chambers of the tunnel.

The district is implementing additional compensatory measures beyond the bat tunnel. Despite previous disagreements, the three parties involved in the Hermann-Hesse Railway project - NABU, the government presidency, and the Calw district - are now working together to complete the project.

Frank von Meißner, Managing Director of the Hermann-Hesse Railway Association (HHB), has expressed a desire for shorter planning permission procedures. Initial tests of the ultrasonic loudspeakers, according to Meißner, have been very successful.

The total project cost for the Hermann-Hesse Railway is estimated at 207 million euros, with approximately 80 million euros allocated for species protection. However, the county of Calw remains uncertain if the total project cost is sufficient.

With the completion of the bat tunnel and the successful implementation of the compensatory measures, there is hope that trains could run from Calw to Weil der Stadt as early as this year. The parties involved are proud of this unique conservation effort, showcasing Germany's commitment to biodiversity and wildlife protection.