Westerham Mines
OS Map 188 TQ 455530 : Nr Biggin Hill (RESTRICTED/NO ACCESS)
Post code: TN16 1PN
The mines are situated about ½ mile (0.8 km) southeast of Westerham at Hosey Common. The mines are not open.
The mines consist of 2km of tunnels which, due to their cool and humid conditions, provide a winter hibernation site for five species of bat (Daubenton's, Natterer's, whiskered, Brandt's and brown long-eared bats), and a number of species of flies some of which are very rare. The mines are also an important swarming site for bats in the autumn.
During the winter three visits are made by the warden and a small group of bat workers as part of the National Bat Monitoring Programme. Visits are kept to a minimum as bats are very vulnerable to disturbance.
