Bat boxes provide artificial roosts and are important for conservation.
By following the instructions below, you can make a box suitable for attracting bats.
Cut a 25mm thick plank to the dimensions shown below. Use rough sawn timber that does not contain any wood preservatives.
Using a hand saw, put saw cuts 3-4mm deep and 20mm apart along about two thirds of the length of the back piece. This is to give a grip area for the bat to land.
Assemble the pieces as shown, using a waterproof wood glue and nails or screws.
When completed, fix your bat box in a safe place, to a tree or under the eaves of your house.
The box should last for about ten years before needing to be replaced.
Note: Bats and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to disturb, handle or kill bats. Therefor, once the box has been installed, you should check very carefully if the bats are actually using it. The occupancy of boxes can be checked by watching at dusk. If the bats are using it - it should not be disturbed.
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Last updated 9 March, 2002
© copyright 1999, P. A. Owen
