| Declining Habitat
The felling of dead, old and hollow trees has reduced the
availability of natural roost sites for bats. Bat boxes
provide artificial roosts and are important for
conservation and research. But they cannot entirely
replace natural tree holes.
Eleven bat species have roosted in bat boxes. Six
species (pipistrelle, noctule, Leisler's, Natterer's,
Daubenton's, and brown long-eared bats) have bred in
them. Bat boxes are also used widely as mating roosts.
Fixing
Use headless or domed nails to allow the tree to push
the box off without splitting, or strap the box to the
tree. Iron nails can be used on trees with no commercial
value. Copper nails can be used on conifers, but
aluminium alloy nails may be better because they are
softer and are said not to damage saws and chipping
machinery.
Location
Site in areas where bats are known to feed, but with
few potential roosts. Place boxes as high as possible in
sheltered and wind-free areas exposed to the sun for
part of the day, up to three boxes per tree. An area
around the box needs to be cleared to allow bats direct
and easy access to the box entrance. Woodland rides and
glades are ideal, particularly if close to a marsh, pond
or river.
Box Inspection
Bats and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife
and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to
disturb, handle or kill bats. If a few boxes are
installed on your property it is reasonable to delay
obtaining a license until bats are found. Watching at
dusk can check the occupancy of boxes. For large
projects in public places licenses should be sought
before inspection.
Boxes should not be inspected between June and
mid-August when bats are giving birth and lactating. It
may be some months or years before boxes are regularly
used.
Checking Boxes
Open carefully because bats may be hanging on the top.
When a box has been inspected, and bats must be removed
before the top is replaced to prevent trapping the bats'
feet. The bats should be placed at the entrance and
allowed to crawl into the box.
Winter Boxes
Hibernation boxes need to provide insulation from cold
winter temperatures. The have been made from hollowed
out logs or with 100mm thick planking or with layers of
thin wood separated by insulating material. Their value
has not yet been proved. |
