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| | | Bats are protected by law but neverless all different species are in danger of extinction and some have disappeared from some locations due to a combination of factors ie lack of nest/roosting sites, modern building and DIY practices, pollution and lack of insects are just some of the reasons. Some colonies have been placed in danger by the action of man and a disregard for the law. It is a criminal offence to kill, capture, disturb a bat whilst in a place of shelter or rest or damage and destroy a bats breeding site or resting place. Past proscecutions have resulted in custodial sentences and/or a fine of many £1000's of pounds.Below is a chart that underlines the various legislation in the UK in regard to Bats. |  |
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| (Courtesy of; 'Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines'.Bat Conservation Trust. 2007)There are some 800 species of bats throughout the world and in Europe there are more than 30 species of bats known. In urban areas bats will occupy masonry of houses or large undisturbed roof spaces or forests and wooded areas. the Greater Mouse Eared Bat (Myotis myotis) prefers houses whereas trees are preferred by Bechsteins Bat (Myotis bechsteinii) and woodland dwelling bats include the Noctule (Nyctalus noctula). Siting and MaintenanceBats love warmth which is why they roost generally south facing. Location wise the best places to site bat boxes include: Large gardens, tree lined roads, clearings, cemeteries, out buildings and the end of building gables or south facing building facades. Water is another key factor so proximity to a pond or stream is advantageous. Putting up multiple boxes of 3-5 in number as bats move in groups. Cleaning out boxes is a simple case of removing droppings after September (not Summer/Winter Roosting boxes as these are self cleaning in that the droppings fall out from the entrance). Do not use any sprays. Bat boxes should be hung no less than 3 m and no higher than 6 metres. Do not renovate buildings that contain bat roosts before the beginning of September it is only then that most will leave summer quarters. Bats are more sensitive than birds to disturbance and are great controllers of insect pests as they need to eat a great deal. One survey conducted found that a single large bat can consume upto a kilo of insects (equal to half a million insects) during a summer.Example of Bat Box Numbers per Ten Hectares |
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| When starting a project it is best to put up bird boxes as well as bat boxes so birds do not occupy the bat boxes. In all 15% of the total nesting boxes should be made up of bat boxes. After a few seasons you will notice that your bat population will prefer certain models of bat boxes.Bats in BuildingsBats are already well established in settlements and buildings such as houses, churches, under bridges and in tunnels or cellars. The bats that occupy buildings are Common pipistrelle, serotine, natterers and barbastelle bat. It is important that access is unblocked and unfortunately new builds are generally sealed through efficiency in design and construction following modern guidelines on energy conservation. Wood concrete boxes however are the best alternative in new accomodation for bats and also complies with building engineering requirements. This is where the outstanding properties of wood concrete have been seen as the best solution with many decades of success without follow-up costs and making wood concrete acceptable to developers, planners and trademen alike.Schwegler offer both exterior individual bat boxes and roosts also bat boxes that act as entrances to already established roosts, also where the roof and eves are blocked/sealed due to new work or as individual/connecting boxes or roosts that can be flush with the exterior wall of a building (other than a small entrance).Four good informative books on bats for the tradesman or enthusiast alike from the Bat Conservation Trust and English Heritage also books for those wishing to enhance their knowledge or work for a bat licence, all four are available in our book section. |
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