Anecdotal accounts suggest that bats roosts have increased since the Second World War, possibly as a result of loss of other habitats. This means that church buildings are becoming increasingly important as roost sites. This can occasionally cause tension where local congregations and communities are also seeking to use church buildings for a wide range of community/social events as well as worship.
This leaflet is to help those who look after church buildings that are used by bats to understand their legal obligations. It will be of help to architects, surveyors, local authority conservation officers, ecologists and Natural England and English Heritage staff and volunteers. Please click on the link below to view the associated PDF: