Ringing Forums

This was a very good session. A few key points -
- Bats are present in well over 50% of churches (probably closer to 90% in the older ones) (they do not have up to date data)
- Different species use different spaces - some simply hang on rafters, some hide in cracks in wood, stone etc.
- Bats use different spaces at different times of the year
- Just because there are no signs of bats does not mean that there are none!
- It is far better to get advice and help in checking for bats before any project starts - not doing so could lead to disturbance of the bats or their roosts - either risks prosecution
- National Bats Helpline - https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/national-bat-helpline
- Free advice will often be available - talk to them!
- Finding bats does not necessarily prevent a project going ahead. Advice will be given on what to do when bats or roosts are found.

(More information is available on line using a search)

When I ran a restoration contractor and hence came across bats a lot, we had a lecture from a bat man for all our site staff and managers. One of the most interesting things I remember is why it is important not to disturb them when they are hibernating (I think this is also true about Hedgepigs). They go to sleep with only just enough fuel to survive and then wake them up again once, If they are disturbed and wake up, they then don't have enough energy to wake up again when the spring comes, and hence they die.