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Bats in Churches project gets off the ground
Loss of habitat has forced some bat species to take refuge in buildings such as historic churches.
Funding boost to protect bats and historic churches 

A groundbreaking project to help churches that host large bat roosts has received £3.8 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Led by Natural England, the Bats in Churches project will deliver a five-year partnership between wildlife, heritage conservation and church organisations to help save bats and protect churches.

Bat species in the UK have suffered significant historical declines and loss of habitat has forced some species to take refuge in buildings such as historic churches.

While many church communities live harmoniously with bat roosts, in some cases bats are causing irreparable damage to historically significant monuments and memorials, as well as impacting on people who use the buildings.

The Bats in Churches project will:
  • find practical solutions to enable 102 of the most severely impacted church communities to reduce the impact of bats on the church, without harming them
  • create a new network of fully trained volunteers who can undertake bat surveys and support congregations who have bat roosts at their church
  • train professional ecologists and historic building specialists in new techniques and build knowledge to improve their advice to congregations
  • collect and collate up-to-date data from over 700 churches across England, helping to build a specialist knowledge base of bats and their use of churches
  • strengthen local communities so people value and engage with their local natural and historic built heritage.


Natural England chairman, Andrew Sells, said: “The funding announced today will give great impetus to the partnership of heritage, wildlife and church organisations which aims to resolve conflicts.

"Together these groups are demonstrating astonishing passion and drive in working together to save these wonderful animals and protect cherished churches across the country.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.