The National Bats in Churches Study

Last year Rebecca Hill-Harmsworth took part in The National Bats in Churches Study. Can you help this year? Go to Bats in Churches and take a look.

In August 2019 I undertook a questionnaire, bat evidence survey and automated detector survey within Holy Cross Church, Upper Langwith with Langwith Bassett. The survey took only a few hours to undertake and was a great way to involve my friends. Following completion of the survey I sent the data back to Bats in Churches where it was analysed and compiled.

Unfortunately, no evidence of bats was identified within Holy Cross Church, Upper Langwith With Langwith Bassett in 2019 however, the data is still extremley valuable, providing a greater insight across England as to how bats are using or not using certain churches.

The data collected over the four years of this study will also be used to enable predictions of how many churches have bat roosts (currently from the 2019 data this is 51%) and factors influencing the use of churches by bats.

By engaging the community in this way the study will allow better communication and support for those caring and utilising the churches, as well as hopefully ensuring a long-term positive outcome for bat conservation.

The project is set to continue until 2022 so plenty of time to get involved.

As a small token for taking part last years survey all participants received an exclusive Bats in Churches pin badge (as seen in the image above).