Bat protection: Rothenfels Church receives environmental badge!

Bat protection: Rothenfels Church receives environmental badge!

On June 16, 2025, the parish church in Rothenfels was awarded a plaque from the Ministry of the Environment, which is a welcome step for local nature conservation. This award is more than just the icing on the cake, as it underlines the parish's commitment to protecting endangered bats, especially the greater mouse-eared bat. A total of 36 buildings in the Main-Spessart district now bear this plaque, making the region a true hotspot for bat habitats. Main-Spessart reports that in 2024 in the Around 230 bats were counted in Rothenfels Church.

But such an award does not come by chance. Collaboration between monument protection and nature conservation is often a challenge in historic buildings such as churches. Species protection issues must be taken into account, especially during renovation work. “Early agreements can help to overcome these challenges,” emphasized District Administrator Sabine Sitter when handing over the plaque. The commitment of the volunteer bat representatives, who take care of recording the populations and providing advice, should not be underestimated.

Bat roosts in churches

A look at the study, which was carried out in 104 churches, shows: Almost 80 percent of these places of worship are inhabited by bats. For many of these animals, churches represent quarters necessary for their survival. This is not only important for nature conservation, but also a sign of the close connection between the believer and nature. The good cooperation between the churches and environmental activists is a good example of the togetherness that is highly valued in the region.

Special measures are required to preserve these habitats, as explained on Fledermaus-Bavaria. During renovations, for example, fumigation and other interventions may not be carried out during the bats' maternity period. In addition, bat-friendly insect control products are needed, which underlines the importance of sensitive treatment of these animals.

A symbol for environmental protection

The commitment in Rothenfels is recognized not only with the plaque, but also by attaching an additional plaque with the inscription “Bats welcome”. This signals to both the population and visitors that the church is a safe place for animals worthy of protection. “The parish community’s trust in the importance of the living quarters in the tower of the church becomes visible,” adds Sitter.

Thanks to the excellent living conditions in the Main-Spessart district - an assessment that Matthias Hammer from the University of Erlangen also shares - the district is perceived as one of the most valuable refuges for bats in Bavaria. These successes are a direct result of the collaboration between the various actors who actively harmonize the concerns of nature conservation and monument protection.

How the stories about these bat roosts continue remains exciting. A film team from the Diocese of Würzburg was present at the award, and content will soon be heard on “Radio Bistum Würzburg” and in the church magazine “Kirche in Bayern”. Nature conservation in Main-Spessart is active and visible, and every small step counts in the preservation of these fascinating animals!