We are here to help communities, churches and their bats live in harmony. With your help, we can build a sustainable network of much-needed support for church communities and the bats they live with.

Its thought around 60% of our historic churches are home to bats, but the true figure is likely to be higher in some areas. Many British bat species find sanctuary in these complex old buildings which are full of nooks and crannies for bats to roost in, and surrounded by churchyards rich in insects for them to eat.

Bats are protected species and vulnerable to habitat destruction such as clearing of woodlands and demolition of old farm buildings. Old churches often provide the only suitable roosting places left.

In small numbers bats often go unnoticed and cause few issues, but when they roost in large numbers droppings and urine can create extra work for church cleaners and churchwardens, put people off going to church, and damage heritage items like brasses, monuments, memorials and wall paintings.

The Bats in Churches project is working with more than 100 churches to trial new solutions that will help bats and humans share spaces harmoniously.

In our experience church communities are often keen to embrace and nurture their resident bats, as long as they are also able to use their churches as intended, for worship and community events.

Bats in Churches is 75% funded by the wonderful National Lottery Heritage Fund, but we still need donations to help us carry out our work. Every donation helps, no matter how small it may seem.

By donating to Bats in Churches youll be supporting:

- Building works, carried out under a bespoke licence, to help separate bats and humans whilst safeguarding bats and their roosts

- Free advice for churches to help them manage their resident bats

- Training for volunteers around cleaning churches and surveying bat roosts

- School workshops

- Resources and equipment for churches and local bat groups to help them host events

- Interpretation materials for churches, so they can educate visitors about their bats

- In-person and online awareness-raising and educational events

Thank you for your support, we couldn't do it without you!

The Bats in Churches Team.

Photo credit: Hugh Clark/bats.org.uk