Beauty of the beasts

Burrowing to the bottom of the problem

Churchyards can be one of the most important national assets in terms of the habitats they provide for a wide range of plants, insects, birds and mammals. Churches can provide additional shelter for many.

The challenge for us is to find a balance between providing a haven for wildlife, and the care of the building and its fittings in use.

Birds

Birds of every kind have been observed in churchyards, but the more common visitors and residents include owls, swifts, pigeons and jackdaws.

Owls find places to roost and breed in towers, spires and porches - the barn owl is sometimes known as the 'church owl'.

Swifts frequently build their distinctive nests within porches where they are sheltered from the weather.

Jackdaws and pigeons are very typical tower birds. This can cause us some problems as nests inside the tower or spire can soon get out of control. Pigeon faeces can cause Histoplasmosis, although it is difficult to become infected unless you are clearing vast quantities of dried faeces or feathers.

For more information on protected birds, see 'further reading', or visit the RSPB website.

Bunnies

Rabbits, badgers, foxes, rodents and squirrels are all our visitors, and we are happy to live side by side with them. Occasionally though, they cause damage, for example:

• Rabbit burrows and fox and badger sets can undermine walls
• Mice can eat through wiring, risking an electrical fire
• Squirrels nests in the eaves of churches, disturbing roof covering, which allows rain in

When this happens, we need to take action.

For more information on protected badgers, see 'further reading', or visit The Badger Trust website.

Beasts

Fortunately, only a small number of this country's insect species damage historic buildings. The furniture beetle, or 'woodworm', is our most common pest, followed closely by the 'death-watch' beetle. Death-watch beetles can be a major cause of damage to old timbers, especially if the wood is damp.

The habits of masonry bees, wasps and moths can make repair and conservation work challenging.

For more information on beasts, visit the Buglife website.

Find out more on endangered wildlife and how you can help