Bat Box

Made from FSC certified timber, this box has two chambers suitable for a variety of species. There is also a narrow entrance to discourage predators. Bats are a protected species under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. It is therefore illegal for any member of the public to disturb a roost. If required for cleaning, the swing panel can be opened by a licensed bat worker. Site your box between 2.5 and 5 metres high on the side of a building or tree facing North, South West or South East - you should avoid aspects that receive direct sunlight all day. Monitor your box at dusk when bats will be leaving to hunt.

In early Autumn it is crucial that Uk bats build up the fat reserves to survive the winter. They are also on the lookout for suitable hibernation sites in October. In the Uk their roosting sites are threatened by building and development works. Natural habitats have also been lost due to fragmented hedgerows and woodlands. Furthermore, the use of pesticides in farming has meant less insects for the bats to feed on. Ironically though, as Insectivores, Bats are the best natural pesticide with some UK species eating over 3000 insects in one night.

Help provide hibernation roosts for these trouble free animals by siting one of our bat boxes on the side of a building or a mature tree.