11 December 2025
Celebrating Our Commitment to Biodiversity: A Special Encounter with Pipistrelle Bats
Across the world, from snakes to foxes, there are an assortment of animals that visit Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries and memorials.
Last month, our team had a unique opportunity to demonstrate how seriously we take biodiversity and wildlife protection. During the construction works at the Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery in the UK, a small cluster of pipistrelle bats, a protected species, was discovered roosting in the building.
Our contractor, on noticing the bats, contacted the Ecologist, who responded immediately to assess the situation. His priority was the safety and well-being of the bats. Although they were awake and active, they were nestled deep in a gap, making it impossible to move them without risking injury. To avoid harm, the roost area was left exposed overnight, giving the bats the chance to disperse naturally.
The following morning, the Ecologist returned to check on them and found at least one bat still present. He visited the next morning also to monitor the situation and oversee the careful lifting of a ceiling board to ensure the bats remain safe throughout the process.
While the exact entry point remains unclear, possibly through the roof covering removed during works or an opportunistic opening, the team’s approach has been guided by respect for wildlife and legal protections.
This incident highlights our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, even when unexpected challenges arise. By prioritising the welfare of these bats, we’re not only complying with environmental regulations but actively contributing to the protection of local ecosystems in the work that we do.
A big thank you to everyone involved for handling this situation with such care and professionalism. It’s a great example of how we live our values every day.
Modernisation work is currently taking place at the Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery, Staffordshire in association with the German Volksbund (VDK - German War Graves Organisation). The existing buildings were in need of structural repair and are now undergoing a significant upgrade to improve and enhance this important site for future visitors.