Our Next Project
In 2026, we hope to have sufficient funds—raised locally and through grants—to replace the south aisle roof and repair the rotten rafters. This will prevent water from entering the church. Alongside this capital work, we will complete work on digitizing and sharing details of the church heritage. Soundscapes and images from the Tudor Choirbook, created and used in Arundel, will be a significant part of 2026 work.
Activities for the elderly, youth, local schools, and toddlers are key parts of community life at St Nicholas’. Ongoing water ingress and damage has hampered these activities, and we hope for major improvements over the next five years, leading up to the 650th anniversary of the current church building in 2030. By then, following more work at the west end of the church, we hope, St Nicholas’ Church will be removed from the Historic England “At Risk” register.
Conservation Works Before, During and Immediately after the Pandemic
In 2020, a significant restoration project was undertaken under a large temporary roof. The goals were to stabilize three nationally important wall paintings, repair rotten rafters, and replace the failing lead on the north aisle roof. The project concluded with lime washing the north aisle walls. All this work had to be completed during the winter months to avoid disturbing the four species of bats that use the church as a summer roost. Despite the challenges posed by first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the project was completed on time, within budget, and to a very high standard. A Sussex Heritage Trust awarded was given to the builders for the innovation and determination that they showed to complete the work during the early part of the pandemic lockdown.
A new roof was installed using traditional methods. The wall paintings were stabilised. New historical information about the church was identified.
The Parochial Church Council also acknowledges the considerable support provided through individual donations, church events, Sussex Historic Churches Trust, and the ongoing work of the Friends of St Nicholas’ Church.
Protecting and Enriching the Ecology of the Church Grounds
Flora & Fauna
The church estate boasts an incredibly rich ecology, having been left undisturbed for over 600 years. A total of 131 plant species has been identified and recorded. Among these, the largest plant is a youthful 150-yearold Giant Redwood. The churchyard is home to toads, slow worms, and various small mammals, birds, and insects.
Where Next?
In recent years, careful attention to the grass mowing regime has significantly increased the visibility of wild flowers. Our next Heritage Project will focus on creating pathways through the churchyard that highlight important areas, allowing visitors to experience peace and enrichment in a tranquil setting. We will also produce a visual digital catalogue of the 131 plants found in the churchyard. We will also leave some areas of the churchyard unmown and collect seeds as they ripen. These will be shared with local people and groups, establishing new wild plant areas. We will continue to monitor bat, moth and other insect populations.
Graveyard Survey
A comprehensive survey of all graves in the churchyard has been completed. Names, images of stones, and details of their locations have been recorded. This information will be made accessible digitally via the church website as part of our planned 2026 project.
Creating a New Parish Garden
Changes in 2025 and 2026
The Norfolk Estate is generously enabling St Nicholas’ Parochial Church Council to make long-term use of Estate land to the south of the church. In Autumn 2025, archaeological investigations will commence in the new entrance area, followed by the construction of a simple, curving ramp to provide access for all to the large green space, which already features two memorial benches. Additional hedge planting will also take place. This space will offer peace, quiet, and beauty, as well as serve as a spacious venue for a small number of events.
Many Thanks for all your Support
In addition to expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Duke of Norfolk, we acknowledge the preparatory work carried out from 2014 onwards with funds provided by individual donors and the local Co-op.
Bats in Churches
Bats at St Nicholas Church
Our church is home to four species of bats: the common pipistrelle, the rarer Nathusius’ pipistrelle, brown long-eared bats, and the scarce serotine.
The bats at St Nicholas use the church as day roosts, where they rest during the day. These are not maternity roosts. Bats are long-lived mammals, with lifespans of up to 30 years. They do not breed until they are 2-3 years old, and the bond between mother and offspring is strong. A single bat can consume up to 3000 insects per night
Protecting the Bats
Since 2013, the St Nicholas’ Parochial Church Council has worked with ecologists to protect the bats. As all bats and their roosts are legally protected, we have had to conduct all building projects in the winter months when the bats roost elsewhere. In 2019, we joined the national Bats in Churches project, which funded additional bat-related costs for the north aisle repairs and established a mitigation plan for the 2026 proposed work on the south side of the church. We have learned a lot about “our” bats, and sharing this information and providing evening bat walks in the summer months is part of our next project. Although the bats cause extra work, we are happy to provide them with sanctuary and will continue to live in harmony with them.
Planning for the Future
In the next Heritage project, we plan to increase the amount of space available under the main roof eaves, which we believe will be attractive to bats. We will provide external entry points and monitor future use by the bats. This move may eventually result in a higher overall bat population but a reduction in roosting within the body of the church.
Sharing St Nicholas' Heritage
Digitally Stored Accessible School Local History Resources
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the church heritage committee, in collaboration with the Town Council, Arundel Museum, and the Castle Archive, developed educational materials as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund project. These resources were designed for school children and families, focusing on the history of the church and town from the Anglo-Saxon period to the end of the Second World War. During the pandemic, these materials were extensively used to support distance learning, achieving far greater success than originally anticipated. Since then, the resources have been updated and expanded still further.
Proposals for 2026 onwards
In the proposed 2026 project, more local schools will be involved in this digitally enabled local studies initiative. Information will also be made available on the church website, providing access for parishioners, visitors, and researchers of all ages. The partnership with the Town Council, Museum, and Castle Archive will remain crucial, as their records form the foundation of all created materials.
The historic significance of the Earls of Arundel and Dukes of Norfolk, and their impact on and support for the church, offers a compelling narrative on both local and national issues. Regular updates on the progress of digitizing church materials will be posted on the church website. It is anticipated that platforms like Google Classroom will be used to share materials with class teachers. For more details or to express interest in the school-focused project, please email the church office with your contact details and the name and contact details of any interested schools.