Stately home staff driven 'bats'

A bat survey is being carried out at the house

Staff at a National Trust house in Herefordshire are having to cover up all the furniture every evening to protect it from bat droppings.

Hundreds of bats have set up home in the roof of Lower Brockhampton, near Bromyard.

But staff at the 14th Century estate are keen to protect the nocturnal creatures and are carrying out conservation surveys.

An evening tour for enthusiasts to observe the bats has been organised.

Bat walk

Susan Brace, Visitor Services Manager, said a lot of people had the wrong impression of bats.

"They don't get caught in your hair, they are very healthy, harmless creatures and we're doing all we can to protect them.

"There is a lot of furniture to cover up but we have got used to it now and don't see it as a problem."

Les Rogers, property manager, said they were keen to protect the hundreds of bats that had lived on the estate for years.

"We are currently carrying out a bat survey to note the different species for conservation purposes.

"Then if any work has to be carried out at the house we don't upset the bat's environment."

A Bat Walk around the estate has been organised on the evening of Saturday, 31 July.