Conservationists say eight different bat species are using the site for breeding and feeding.

Bats have turned a collection of abandoned coal mines into a prime mating spot, experts say.

Conservationists found eight species of bat using the mineshafts and surrounding moorland near Barnsley as an “autumn swarming” location.

Following a year-long study, the 28-hecatare site, which sits above a Yorkshire Water reservoir, has been granted Local Wildlife Status by Barnsley Council.