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With the increase in development of new building sites and redevelopment of older buildings, especially in rural areas, availability of roost sites for bat species is becoming more limited. However, bats can be encouraged to remain at old sites or colonise new sites by incorporating artificial roost spaces into the building during the build or renovation process.
The Habibat Bat Box is a large, solid box made of insulating concrete with an internal roost space, which can be incorporated into the fabric of a building as it is built or renovated. A variety of facings can be fitted to suit any existing brick, wood, stonework or rendered finish, rendering the box unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing. The Habibat box is suitable for species which are most commonly found roosting in buildings in the UK, such as Pipistrelle, Natterer's, Whiskered, and Brandt's bats.
This box can be faced in standard Staffordshire Smooth Red brick, blue brick or buff brick and is ideal for new builds. It is supplied unpointed so it can be matched as closely as possible to the building.
Installation
Orientation
Temperature is known to be the major factor influencing successful uptake of artificial roost by bats. In general, bats seek warm spaces to help them with rearing young. For this reason, Habibat should be located where it will receive the maximum amount of sunlight. In the northern hemisphere this will be the southerly aspects/orientation (south, south-west and south-east).
Height
Position Habibat a minimum of 2 metres but preferably 5 to 7 metres above ground. Avoid placement above windows, doors and wall climbing plants, thereby reducing the likelihood of predation by cats. A position near the eaves or gable apex of the property would be preferable.
Landscape considerations
To make Habibat a potential roost for a wider range of bat species, it is helpful to consider whether there is nearby linear vegetation features such as hedges and treelines. This is because some bat species use these features for navigation between their roosting site and feeding ground and to avoid flying in open and exposed areas.
Monitoring:
Bats and their roosts are legally protected from disturbance and damage. For this reason only a licenced bat worker should closely examine the Habibat to check for bat usage. However, anyone can check for signs of bat use. This includes the presence of bat droppings on the plinth and surrounding walls and the outflight of bats at dusk.
The Bat Conservation Trust wants to assist with monitoring installed Habibats as a means to research what works for bats. If you have any questions about installing your Habibat please contact the BCT Helpline on: 0845 1300 228
