Church Commends Bat Dropping Prevention System

A church has commended its innovative netting system designed to prevent bat droppings from reaching congregants. St Mary Magdalene Church, located in Brampton, close to Huntingdon, stated its belief that its canvas structures, resembling sails and installed beneath the eaves in October 2022, represent a novel solution. Rev Duncan Goldthorpe commented, “We were keen to forge a new way and try new things, knowing that other churches have tried different solutions that don’t always look as pleasant as the solution that we’ve got.” He added, “The difference has been immense. The place is cleaner and fresher.” Given that the church building originates from the 15th Century, its members sought a solution that would not detract from the building’s aesthetic. Bats have inhabited the structure for multiple decades, and the local community aimed to establish a method for harmonious coexistence. Rev Goldthorpe explained, “The impact for churchgoers meant that a lot of soft furnishings would be covered with droppings and also they’d be a smell there, and therefore they’ll be a need to clean-up as well.” He further noted, “Particularly on the communion tables, they would need to be cleared for Sunday service.” The implementation of these new “sails” has eliminated the necessity for weekly cleaning using specialized products. The church collaborated with Bats in Churches and an ecology group to research this preventative approach. According to Rev Goldthorpe, “The beauty of these sails is that unless you look for them, a lot of people don’t realise they’re there.” He continued, “It’s improved things enormously, as we have less material on the floor and furnishings and also there is less of a smell of their presence.” These sails are designed to be removable for maintenance. The rector emphasized the significance of discovering methods for coexisting with nature. He stated, “We are all part of God’s creation and this is a practical way that we care for all his creations.” Bats are safeguarded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it a criminal offense to harm bats or dismantle their colonies. For updates on Cambridgeshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.