Nabu project promotes church towers as habitats for birds and bats

The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu) has highlighted the importance of church towers as vital habitats for species such as kestrels and bats. For nearly 20 years, Nabu has operated the ‘Lebensraum Kirchturm’ (Church Tower Habitat) project to encourage churches to provide nesting sites and open their towers to wildlife.

Historically, bell towers featured open entry points that allowed birds like the kestrel to nest easily. However, modern renovations often involve sealing these towers, sometimes to prevent issues with pigeons. Nabu reports that more than 1,200 churches across Germany are now participating in the project, helping to mitigate habitat loss caused by agricultural changes and urban development.