S2E23 For the final episode of Series 2 we join Nottinghamshire Bat Group member Barry Collins at a Leicestershire Church where he talks to Steve about the works that were undertaken on the church to restore it whilst retaining the Natterer's bat colony living in the fabric of the building. Barry also discusses the importance of churches in the local community as well as how they're adapting to the 21st century and how he, along with dozens of other bat workers, are working with church communities up and down the country to find a solution to retain bat roosts whilst allowing these buildings at the heart of villages to be regularly used.

• Become a bat explorer in your local church with the Bats in Churches Project
• Find out more about Barry's work
• Follow the Leicestershire and Rutland Bat Group on twitter
• Follow Nottinghamshire Bat Group on twitter
• Follow Essex Bat Group on twitter

Remember we're on the lookout for stories and projects to include in the next series of BatChat so if you have a great story to tell, email [email protected]

Join the conversation on social media using #BatChat:

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Producer: Steve Roe @SteveRoeBatMan
Cover Art: Rachel Hudson http://rachelhudsonillustration.com/info

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Bats are magical but misunderstood. At BCT our vision is a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Action to protect & conserve bats is having a positive impact on bat populations in the UK. We would not be able to continue our work to protect bats & their habitats without your contribution so if you can please donate. We need your support now more than ever: www.bats.org.uk/donate Thank you!