How to build a bat box
There are estimated to be more than 15 million gardens in the UK, covering an area greater than all of the UK’s nature reserves combined. Our gardens and public green spaces are vitally important habitats for wildlife, including bats.
The UK is home to 18 species of bat, the largest being the noctule which weighs the same as four £1 coins, and the smallest is the pipistrelle , which weighs as little as a 2p coin.
Installing a bat box will help local bats, encouraging them to move into areas that have limited roosting space. All our bats are insect-eaters, so having a few flitting around might just make those evenings in the garden a little less buggy!
Our gardens and public green spaces are vitally important habitats for wildlife, including bats
Building your bat box
See the illustration below for a step-by-step guide to putting together your bat box.
What you need :
- Untreated rough sawn timber
- Tape measure and pencil
- Hammer
- Saw
- Nails
- Brackets
Step 1Cut your timber to the dimensions shown below.
Step 2Nail together the boards using the risers to create gaps in between.
Step 3Attach brackets to enable you to attach the box to the wall
Step 4Fix as high as possible in a sheltered, wind-free position, exposed to the sun for part of the day.
Download the sheet
Remember!
All UK bats and their roosts are protected by law, which means it is illegal to harm or disturb them. Once up, a bat box cannot be opened legally without a licence. For more information on bats and the law call the Bat Helpline 0345 1300 228.
