On Saturday we reported that Caroline Spelman, the Second Church Estates Commissioner had commenced her new role with an answer to a written question from Bill Wiggin, (Con. North Herefordshire) relating to the frequently raises issue of bats in churches. Below is a summary of questions both asked and answered by Mrs Spelman to date. For completeness, Bill Wiggins’ question is also included.

Bats: Churches

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Question 1114:

Asked by Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) on 04 June 2015

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information her Department holds on the application and interpretation of provisions in the Habitats Directive on bats inhabiting church premises in other EU member states.

Answered by: Rory Stewart on 10 June 2015

Whilst we do not hold any information about how other Member States apply or interpret the provisions in the Habitats Directive in relation to bats in churches, the Government understands the problems that the presence of bats can cause.

To assist churches, Defra has funded research to identify techniques that can be used to deter bats from sensitive areas of churches, the results of which were published in March 2014. English Heritage is now funding a project trialling the techniques identified by this research in several churches to develop a toolkit and advice pack. A bid for Heritage Lottery funding to help pay for the implementation of this toolkit is also being prepared. Continue reading →