Bat Boxes

Bat boxes are critical artificial roosts that support declining wildlife populations by replacing lost natural habitats like old trees and hollows.

Installing a bat box provides immense benefits for both local ecosystems and property owners:

  • Natural Pest Control: All UK bat species eat insects. A single bat can consume thousands of midges, mosquitoes and agricultural pests every night.
  • Habitat Replacement: Modern property renovations and deforestation remove the small crevices and tree hollows bats rely on for survival.
  • Biodiversity Support: Offering a safe roost helps protect vulnerable and legally protected species like Pipistrelles and Leisler's bats.

How to Make a Bat Box

When building a bat box, specific construction rules must be followed to ensure it is safe and appealing to bats:

  • Use Untreated Wood: Avoid chemical treatments or rough wood stains as the fumes are highly toxic to bats.
  • Create a Rough Surface: Use rough-sawn timber or score deep ridges into the wood, so bats can easily grip and climb inside.
  • Seal the Joints: Ensure the box is completely draft-free and watertight.
  • Keep Gaps Narrow: The bottom entrance slit should strictly be between 15mm and 20mm wide to let bats in while keeping predators out.

For complete blueprints and material specifications, you can follow the official step-by-step assembly guides provided by The Wildlife Trust's Bat Box Guide or the RSPB Bat Box Activity.

Where to Position Your Bat Box

Where you place the box is just as important as how you build it:

  • Height: Mount the box at least 3 to 5 metres above the ground to protect bats from domestic cats and other predators.
  • Aspect: Position it facing south, southeast or southwest to ensure it absorbs 6 to 10 hours of sunlight daily, keeping the roost warm.
  • Clearance: Choose a spot with an unobstructed flight path so bats can drop down and take off cleanly.
  • Environment: Try to place it near dark tree lines or hedgerows, away from artificial security lights.

Download the Bat Conservation Trust's Bat Box Information Pack.

Note: In the UK, all bats and their roosts are strictly protected by law. Once your bat box is installed, it is illegal to open, adjust or disturb it without a specialist licence.