Plans to consider adding lighting along paths in Stevenage's Fairlands Valley Park have been put on hold while funding is sought for a bat survey.

More than 1,300 people signed a petition last year supporting the lighting idea, and Stevenage Borough Council agreed to include the proposal in their forthcoming Green Spaces Strategy consultation.

They also consulted organisations including Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Herts & Middlesex Trust.

Through those consultations, Fairlands Valley Park has been identified as being of "county importance" due to the presence of eight different species of bats.

It is an offence to cause any significant disturbance to bats, and installing lighting that changes their behaviour could be illegal.

Responding to a question from Cllr Robin Parker (Lib Dem, Manor), Cllr Simon Speller (Labour, Shephall), cabinet member for environment and performance, said a survey would now be required to understand which areas of the park are used by the bats for roosting, travel and feeding.

Cllr Robin Parker (left) asked Cllr Simon Speller for a progress update on the possibility of new lighting at Fairlands Valley Park.Cllr Robin Parker (left) asked Cllr Simon Speller for a progress update on the possibility of new lighting at Fairlands Valley Park. (Image: Stevenage Borough Council)

"There is currently no budget provision for this and officers will therefore be making a capital bid for [councillors] to consider as part of the wider capital programme for 2025/26," Cllr Speller said.

Following the survey, a lighting consultant would have to be engaged and potentially a "further capital bid".

Cllr Speller confirmed that council officers have "developed some indicative costs for a range of options", but that a "further capital bid" may be necessary for the project to go ahead. Some sources of possible funding have already been identified.

Jennifer Huygen, who led last year's petition, told the Comet that she understands the need for the bat survey - her petition made clear it was calling for "wildlife-friendly" lighting - but was concerned by how long it may be before any changes to be made.

Jennifer Huygen launched the campaign for better lighting in Fairlands Valley Park.Jennifer Huygen launched the campaign for better lighting in Fairlands Valley Park. (Image: Jennifer Huygen)

She said the proposed timetable "would mean a lighting consultant can start work at the earliest in 2026-2027, and funding to implement a lighting scheme would be available at its earliest in 2027-2028 following their recommendations and the council's budget setting process".

"That means at least three or four more dark winters without wildlife-friendly lighting in Fairlands Valley Park if the process isn't changed," Jennifer added.