Bat action in Kronach: Winter cleaning of the churches begins!

Bat action in Kronach: Winter cleaning of the churches begins!

A very special event will take place in the picturesque Franconian Forest Nature Park on January 16, 2026: Under the motto “Sweep church attics with the rangers,” a social meeting will be organized at which the bats' summer quarters will be spruced up. This unique campaign aims to maintain the important habitat of the small mammals during their hibernation and at the same time learn a lot of interesting facts about the fascinating animals. Again Wiesentbote reported, the event begins at 3:00 p.m. and lasts until 5:00 p.m. with a cozy end with a shared snack.

The meeting point is Klosterstraße 13 in Kronach, easily accessible by public transport to Kronach train station, followed by a five-minute walk. The event does not require any special prior knowledge, but participation is only possible from the age of 16. Anyone interested should not forget to bring gloves and an FFP2 mask so that they are well prepared. This opportunity will also provide valuable information about the churches that serve as refuges for bats.

Bat roosts and their importance

The church attics are not only architectural landmarks, but also play a crucial role for bats during the summer months. These small flying animals use the high ceilings to raise their young. It is particularly important that they move to cool, frost-free places during hibernation - such as caves, tunnels or cellars, which offer an optimal temperature between 3 and 9 degrees Celsius. Again BUND Lower Saxony explains, the well-being of bats is crucial and their winter quarters must be designed to avoid overheating or cold.

Disturbances during hibernation can have catastrophic consequences for the animals as they consume immense amounts of energy in a short period of time. For this reason, it is clear that taking care of habitats during the cold season is not only a sign of respect for nature, but also a necessary measure to protect these fascinating creatures.

As part of the event, the collection of bat guano in the Steinwiesener Church as well as in the Kronach churches, such as the Oblate Monastery and the Christ Church, will also play an important role. The material collected can contribute to improving living conditions and maintaining the bat population.

The event not only offers a unique opportunity to provide practical support for the local fauna, but also promotes awareness of the importance of nature conservation. Anyone interested is warmly invited to help with a good knack for the ecological footprint and to learn more about the impressive bats. Registration options are available - so let's get to the next opportunity to get a little under the wings of the small flying mammals!