Sanctuary for bats
As bats continue to head towards extinction due to human activities, where can we give them refuge? Churches, churchyards, houses and gardens are all vitally important but we need to encourage more enlightened attitudes if they are to fulfil their potential as bat sanctuaries.
Bats and churches Many of our ancient church buildings shelter bats and make ideal breeding and hibernation roosts. The trees and wild flowers in churchyards attract many insects, providing rich feeding grounds. A small group was formed some time ago called MABIC - the Movement Against Bats In Churches. A booklet produced last year asserted that bat droppings and urine were staining many precious artefacts in churches. Without proper statistics it was difficult to tell how true this was in Cornwall, so with the backing of the Diocese and the help of the Cornwall Bat Group and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust a questionnaire was sent to 260 parish churches. Disappointingly, only 20 per cent of the forms were returned but I felt that parishioners had had a chance to put their case if they were upset about the presence of bats for any reason. Of the 53 forms returned, 14 stated that they had seen stains but only six noted damage due to urine; three found droppings a serious problem. This reinforced my own view which is that the buildings where the day-to-day running of the church is badly affected by bats are very few in number. On a positive note, there were 11 requests for visits from a Bat Warden. Fortunately, many of the parishes were coping happily with their bats. Some species may be nudged into extinction if we do not protect them. What a loss it would be, not to see these tiny creatures wheeling and diving after insects on a warm summer's evening. Carol Simpson Carol Simpson co-ordinates the Cornwall's Living Churchyards project and is Ecological Adviser to the Diocese of Truro.	A place of safety Here is some advice on making your house and its grounds a safer place for bats: Water Many bats drown because they become trapped in swimming pools, ponds and water butts. Provide a cover and a means by which they can climb out. Stakes, canes, broken glass, barbed wire These can all cause injuries to bats, tearing or piercing their wing membranes. Young bats are especially vulnerable while learning to catch insects, losing concentration and flying into obstacles. Hiding places Bats need temporary resting places in which to hide. Cracks, crevices and leaf-covered walls all provide cover for young or exhausted bats. Leave ivy and other climbers growing on walls to provide suitable havens. Cats Cats are renowned for catching bats, especially young ones that may land on the ground for a rest or fly low. They suffer horrendous injuries from which they cannot recover.	Cat owners can help by keeping their cats in for an hour and a half after sunset. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, fungicides Avoid using these as they are ultimately lethal to bats. The chemicals affect insects, which are in turn eaten by bats. The poisons build up in their systems, eventually killing them. Such chemicals are a major reason for the decline in the bat population. Bat care People with bat roosts on their property should check for escapees. Baby bats (June to August), especially pipistrelles, are notorious for wandering from the roost. If found, they can be fed during the day and put as near to the roost exit as possible at dusk for the mum to reclaim her offspring. It is vital that they are returned to the correct roost. Any bats seen during the day are in need of immediate help. For advice on the correct action, phone your local Bat Helpline (the numbers are in the business section of the telephone directory). Rowena Varley Rowena Varley is a very active member of the Bat Group and runs the Mid-Cornwall Bat Rescue Centre with her husband Judd.