Bats (not) in the belfry

How we work in harmony with bats

A large part of our work is repairing roofs and this frequently brings us into contact with bats.

During the last century there has been a dramatic decline in bat numbers and their roosts. As the bat's natural habitat becomes scarce, churches are playing a vital role in the survival of these endangered mammals.

 

Building renovation work can inadvertently disturb and endanger bat colonies - here are some reasons why:

• If bats are disturbed during hibernation they have to use vast amounts of energy to wake themselves up. They need to reserve this energy in order to survive the winter
• If bats are awoken from hibernation there will be no food available and they may starve
• In summer if the roost is disturbed the young are at particular risk of being abandoned by their mothers
• In any season bats can be entombed or excluded from their roosting site accidentally

Bats & the CCT

Bats and their roosts are legally protected from harm or disturbance, but repairs can still take place - though timings and methods may need to be altered. When the works are more extensive and could affect the bats, a special licence is required before works begin.

Therefore, we always seek advice well in advance of any works - the most important aspect of this is a bat survey, which includes finding out the species, numbers, location of roost, type of roost and access points. This is best carried out over the summer when the bats are most active.

Once we have this information we, our building consultant and a Natural England officer can discuss the best time to start works. Most often, we are advised to start in May if we have a hibernating roost, or September if we have a nursery roost.

Bat facts:

• It is a myth that bats are blind – they see in black and white, although echo location (making a noise and seeing how it bounces back) is a much more accurate method of finding their way
• Bats can live up to 30 years
• 50% of bats roost in buildings less than 10 years old
• There are 18 species of bat in Britain
• The Common pipistrelle is the most common and widespread species and the Greater mouse-eared is the rarest with only one individual left in the UK
• Despite the saying, bats are unlikely to roost in belfries as these are usually draughty and cold. They much prefer shallow nooks and crannies in the main church where they can huddle in groups to keep warm
• Having fed intensely on insects in the autumn, bats will hibernate over winter from November to March. Their young are born in early summer.

For more information, see ‘further reading’, or visit The Bat Conservation Trust website, which provides free advice on working with bats.