At Rihemberk Castle, the Municipality of Nova Gorica has successfully completed the upgrade of the Natura 2000 INFO point, improving conditions for one of the most important bat colonies in Slovenia while enabling visitors to gain a better understanding of their habitat. Through the implemented measures, the project has demonstrated that nature conservation and cultural heritage can successfully coexist and complement each other.
The upgrade of the Natura 2000 INFO point included the preparation of expert guidelines for implementing the measures and assessing their impact on protected bat species, the completion of construction, craft, conservation, and restoration works, as well as the installation of equipment adapted to the needs of bats. All interventions were designed with the aim of ensuring the long-term improvement of their conservation status while simultaneously protecting the castle’s exceptional cultural heritage.
The implemented measures represent an important contribution to the long-term preservation of one of the most significant bat colonies in the region. At the same time, they demonstrate that carefully considered solutions can create a space where the needs of protected animal species and the visitor experience are given equal consideration.
The upgrade of the Natura 2000 INFO point at Rihemberk Castle represents one of the pilot actions of the GRENNAT project, which promotes sustainable management of Natura 2000 areas, strengthens green infrastructure, and contributes to greater public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity.
