Bat Box
The box can be put in your own back garden, or an area with few natural roost sites such as a conifer plantation. It should be south facing, sheltered and at least 5m above ground, either on a tree or under the eaves of the house. Ideally, it should be exposed to the sun for several hours every day. There should be no overhanging branches or obstructions that might obstruct the bats flight path.
You can tell if your box is occupied by watching carefully at dusk to see whether bats are flying to and from it – but it may take months before it is actually used by bats. Another tell tale sign of use is the presence of tiny black droppings underneath it. With this design of bat box, you may also be able to shine a torch upwards through the slit and see them roosting.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the UK, bats and their roosts are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence for anyone without a licence to disturb, handle or kill bats. If you intend to remove your bat box for relocation etc., please ensure it is not in use by visually checking it during the day, when any resident bats would be sleeping in it.