nest box
price list

Our bat boxes are available for siting on trees, external walls, and for building into the masonry or roof of new buildings and renovations. Bat boxes should be sited at least two metres above ground and away from artificial light sources. It is often beneficial to have multiple boxes which face in different directions: this will provide the bats with a range of temperature conditions to choose from. Useful information about how our bat boxes are classified is given below:

• Summer boxes are suitable for the warmer months but are less likely to be used over the winter.
• Hibernation boxes are designed to be larger and have better insulation so will provide a safe and warm space for bats to hibernate throughout the winter.
• Maternity boxes are suitable for the formation of colonies and raising of young.
• Boxes classified as ”Access” provide an entrance to an existing roosting space such as a wall cavity or loft.
• Crevice dwelling species include common, soprano and Nathusius pipistrelle, Brandt’s and whiskered bats.
• Cavity dwelling species include brown long eared, Daubenton’s and Natterer’s bats. Brown long eared bats in particular (as well as grey long eared and Natterer’s bats) require flight space within the roost. Boxes that are suitable for these species have been classified as “Large Cavity”.

Bird boxes are available to suit a wide range of species and locations. Within this list, our range has been divided into four main types: boxes suitable for trees, boxes for external walls or fences, boxes to incorporate into a new-build or renovation and those which should be located near to a pond, river or lake. Many boxes will be suitable for more than one location.

The box type provides information about the group of species that it is suitable for using the classifications below. Boxes designed for a specific species will have the species name as the box type.

• Cavity, small: blue tits, coal tits, marsh tits, crested tits
• Cavity, medium: blue tits, coal tits, crested tits, great tits, nuthatches, collared flycatchers, pied flycatchers, wryneck, tree and house sparrows
• Cavity, large: jackdaw, stock dove, little owl, scops owl, hoopoe, roller, starling, tawny owl
• Open, small: robin, spotted flycatcher, black redstart, wren
• Open, large: song thrush, blackbird

Bird boxes are unlikely to be occupied unless they are at least 1.6m above ground level, positioned out of direct sun and facing away from the prevailing wind. If possible, put your nest box up in autumn or winter to allow the birds to use it as a roost site before the nesting season.

Feeding the birds in your garden can make a huge difference to their survival, particularly in the winter. During the colder months birds require high fat foods such as peanuts and fat balls to be provided regularly. These foods will enable them to maintain their body fat reserves and keep warm. In the summer months, food shortages may occur so feeding less regularly is still recommended. At this time of year, high protein foods such as seeds or mealworm will be beneficial, especially when birds are moulting.

Insect and bug boxes should be sited in a warm and dry place, preferable in a position where they will catch the morning sun. A location near to vegetation, wood piles or ponds will maximise the chance of your box being colonised. Most insect boxes can be attached to a tree or post at a height of 1-2 metres using a strong nail. Bumblebee boxes, however, should be sited on the ground or in a hedge or low wall in a sheltered, south-facing position.

If your box has not been used after a year or two it may be worth moving it to a different location and to consider planting some nectar-rich food plants.

Hedgehog boxes are designed to be placed in an overgrown and quiet space, preferably against a bank, wall or fence. Make sure that the entrance to the house is not facing into the prevailing wind and rain. A small hole in or under garden fences will also help hedgehogs to gain access to the garden and will make it more likely that they will find the box.

Dormouse and red squirrel boxes are only recommended to be used in sites where presence has been confirmed (e.g. with dormouse nest tubes). Dormouse boxes should be wired to a tree at a height of around 1.5m, with the entrance facing the trunk. Squirrel houses should be located at a height of around 3-4 metres.

Frog and toad houses should ideally be placed near to a pond or pool. Shady locations with good cover are essential and a nearby rockery or long grass will also help to provide them with damp places to shelter. The Lifepond provides an easy way to create a compact and moveable wildlife pond in a small space. It provides a variety of habitat zones including a shady refuge underneath which is ideal for amphibians.