Richard Hammond to 'find a way' to share mansion with bats after renovation plans paused
Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has paused renovation plans for his new Georgian mansion after discovering protected bat species on the property. Hammond stated he intends to find a way to coexist with the bats while proceeding with his lifestyle adjustments.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of private property development and environmental conservation laws regarding protected species.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Hammond bought the Georgian manor house for around £2m
Former Top Gear star Richard Hammond has said he will "find a way" of sharing his new £2m home with rare bats that have paused his renovation plans.
Work to add a padel court and luxury car garage hit the brakes after a survey found several species of bat, including the common pipistrelle and soprano pipistrelles, foraging in the grounds.
The 56-year-old bought the 19th Century Georgian mansion in Llanwenarth, near Abergavenny, in November 2025.
"If I have to share it with the bats, I'll find a way of sharing it with the bats," Hammond told BBC Wales.
"You don't move somewhere as beautiful as this and expect to stamp out everything that already lives there... I'm sure there's room for the bats and me in Abergavenny."
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