Are Bats Making Churches Their New Sanctuary and Creating Chaos?

Bats in churches are becoming increasingly common in the UK, with recent studies indicating that over 8,000 churches provide vital habitats for these nocturnal creatures. This phenomenon highlights the unique relationship between historic buildings and wildlife, as bat hunters observe and study these species in their natural roosting environments, revealing the ecological importance of these structures.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As dusk settles over Norfolk, bat hunters converge on Guestwick Church to study the behaviour of its resident bat populations. Armed with infrared and thermal cameras, the team sets to work, capturing the sounds and sights of bats, including Common Pipistrelles and Natterer's bats, as they emerge from their roosts. The research, part of the Bats in Churches Project, reveals that many churches serve as critical habitats for bats, which are increasingly losing their natural environments.

Key takeaways

Over 8,000 churches in England are home to bat populations, providing essential habitats.
The presence of bats can cause challenges for church upkeep, including damage from droppings.
Ecologists are implementing various solutions to manage bat populations in churches, including loft conversions and protective coverings.

Timeline: how we got here

The relationship between bats and churches has been evolving for centuries. Key milestones include:

Early 2000s: Increased awareness of bat conservation leads to the establishment of the Bat Conservation Trust.
2010: The Bats in Churches Project is launched to study and protect bat populations in historic buildings.
2023: Recent studies published in the journal People & Nature highlight the significant number of churches housing bats, and the challenges this poses for church maintenance.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

A new study published in the British Ecological Society's journal People & Nature has revealed that approximately 50% of churches in England host bat populations, with this figure rising to about 80% for older churches. This new data underscores the critical role that these historic buildings play in bat conservation.

What was already established

Churches have long been recognised as potential roosting sites for bats, providing safe environments away from predators and harsh weather. However, many congregations are unaware of the bats residing in their buildings, highlighting a gap in awareness and management strategies.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The presence of bats in churches can lead to increased maintenance costs for congregations, particularly when droppings or urine cause damage to interiors. This may result in additional financial burdens for parishioners and church committees.

Businesses and jobs

Church upkeep and conservation efforts are fostering job opportunities in ecological monitoring and building conservation sectors. The need for specialists in bat behaviour and habitat management is growing, creating niche roles within local communities.

Policy and regulation

Bats are legally protected under UK law, which complicates removal efforts for congregations facing issues with bat-related damage. Recent studies and initiatives may prompt discussions among policymakers regarding strategies to balance wildlife conservation with church maintenance needs.

Numbers that matter

8,000: Estimated number of churches in England housing bats, showcasing the extent of this phenomenon.
50%: Percentage of churches known to support bat populations, based on the latest research.
80%: The figure rises to this percentage for churches older than 100 years, indicating their significance as bat habitats.
£50,000: Cost of a major church renovation to accommodate bats, funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
15 years: Timeframe since bats began to pose challenges for some churches, as noted by local caretakers.

Definitions and jargon buster

Citizen Science: Public participation in scientific research, helping to gather data and observe wildlife.
Bats in Churches Project: An initiative aimed at studying and protecting bat populations in historic church buildings.
Bat Conservation Trust: A UK charity dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Churches should assess their current bat populations and consider contacting the National Bat Helpline for advice on managing their presence. This may include simple protective measures to mitigate potential damage.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Long-term solutions, like constructing bat-friendly loft conversions or implementing monitoring systems, can be explored to ensure both bats and church activities can coexist.

Signals to watch

Increased awareness and community events focused on bat conservation.
Changes in local church maintenance budgets due to bat-related costs.
New policies or recommendations from conservation organisations regarding wildlife management in historic buildings.

Practical guidance

Do

Contact the National Bat Helpline for guidance if bats are discovered in your building.
Implement protective measures, such as using covers on surfaces susceptible to damage.
Consider hosting community events to raise awareness about bats and their conservation.

Don’t

Attempt to remove bats without professional guidance, as they are a protected species.
Neglect the issue, as ignoring bat presence can lead to increased damage and costs.
Assume all bats pose a significant threat; many species are harmless and beneficial to the ecosystem.

Checklist

Assess whether bats are present in your church.
Contact conservation experts for advice on managing bat populations.
Implement protective measures to safeguard church interiors.
Organise community events to educate members about bats.
Monitor bat activity and adjust strategies as necessary.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While many churches are discovering their bat populations, the extent of the issue remains unclear. Not all congregations may recognise the presence of bats, leading to possible underreporting. Additionally, the ecological impacts of changing habitats for bats are still being studied, highlighting the need for continuous research and community awareness.

Bottom line

The intertwining of bat populations with historic churches presents both opportunities and challenges for UK congregations. By embracing these creatures as part of their environment, churches can contribute to conservation efforts while also learning to manage the implications of their presence effectively. Understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for both wildlife and community engagement.

FAQs

Why are bats important to churches?

Bats provide ecological benefits, including insect control, and many historic churches offer vital roosting habitats that are increasingly scarce due to habitat loss.

How can churches manage bat populations effectively?

Churches can implement protective measures, consult conservation experts, and even build bat-friendly spaces to accommodate their needs without compromising the integrity of the building.

What should I do if I find bats in my church?

If bats are discovered, it is advised to contact the National Bat Helpline for guidance on legal and effective management strategies.