Why should I put up a bat box?
Bat populations have gone into decline because of loss of their habitats. This is a serious problem as they are slow to reproduce, making them very vulnerable as a species. You can help by providing a safe winter roost where they can hibernate and have young in the summer.
What is the best site for a bat box?
Bat boxes are best placed high up on a tree or wall, in groups of 3, facing south to south east. Once bats are resident, the box is protected in law and must not be moved.
How can I attract bats into my garden?
A pond can attract insects which in turn attracts bats. Garden lights at night may also attract bats to feed on the insects they attract.
How does a bat detector work?
Bat detectors can help you find bats and differentiate between the species, depending on the ultrasonic frequency of the bat’s call.
How do I position a nest box in the garden?
We recommend siting your nest boxes somewhere away from direct sunlight and rain and out of prevaliling winds. Ideally they should have some natural shelter and be placed between North and south-east part of the garden. It is also best to avoid placing them too close to bird feeding areas. You can either fix to trees or walls/fences leaving at least a 4 ft gap from the ground, but please bear in mind the birds will need easy access to it and keep vegetation and planting cut back enough to provide a clear flight path into the box. Like every rule, there are exceptions. Wrens for instance like to nest low down hidden in undergrowth.
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