Bats, Churches and Net Zero Carbon

In 2020 the Church of England voted overwhelmingly to aim at achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its operations by 2030. Since then they have produced The Church of England Routemap to Net Zero Carbon by 2030; an action plan to deliver net zero carbon this decade. It contains milestones and actions for all parts of the Church.

The Church of England's historic buildings and their surroundings play a crucial role in our natural heritage. Among the treasures we must safeguard are the bat roosts that many of our churches host. Bats, as protected species, contribute significantly to biodiversity and the ecological balance of our communities. However, their roosts can be sensitive to changes, and it is vital that environmental initiatives do not inadvertently harm these important creatures.

The Bat Conservation Trust are dedicated to ensuring that Net Carbon Zero projects are carried out in harmony with nature. To this end, we have developed comprehensive guidance to help reduce the risks to bat roosts during the implementation of carbon reduction measures in churches and church buildings. Our helpful leaflet highlights where risks may occur, for example the blocking of small gaps around windows and doors, or repairing slipped tiles/holes in the roof. For more information on how to take bats into consideration in your church's Net Carbon Zero plan please read our guidance.

Having bats does not mean that you cannot do the works to reduce your carbon emission, it just means seeking the correct advice before proceeding with works. When planning any works to your church, please consider what impact those works might have on bats. We recommend contacting your Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation for advice on how and when you can carry out the work in a safe and legal way. Advice may include specifying certain times of year when the work can take place and the use of certain materials and techniques that are not dangerous to bats. You may need to engage a consultant for further advice and perhaps help acquiring a licence.

We strongly recommend that you do not book contractors until you have sought advice.