Bat Sanctuary

[canis.rufus]

It certainly seems to, there have been no bird nests at all in the bat boxes since we put them up. The main issue seems to be the long term viability of the wooden bird boxes, as they are unlikely to last as long as the woodcrete bat ones.

Another point for the OP would be that unless someone is able to monitor the boxes regularly (at least yearly, needs a licence), you might like to pick a self cleaning design such as the Schwegler 1FF (although if you are planning check them, it is a pain to get bats out of these without them escaping!) or a self cleaning wooden design.

Otherwise, the boxes can quickly fill up with birds nests, or bat droppings, making the box unusable.

Have fun - Toby.

[Lord John]

Originally Posted by valleyforge

I belong to Clan Donald (clann dhomhnuill), who didn't as such originate in Lochaber, but held it under the Lordship of the Isles, along with the Outer and Inner Hebrides, Ross, Cromarty, much of Inverness-shire, the Kintyre peninsula, and Antrim in Northern Ireland.

In Lochaber, the clan is still represented by the MacDonnells of Keppoch.



I hold title to only 10 square metres of one of the small islands in the Sound of Raasay, north of Skye ... not enough to do anything with ... but more than enough to ensure that the island stays undeveloped and wildlife remains undisturbed.

Luckily, I have a fair bit more land here in Aberdeenshire.

Hi Valleyforge,

Even though you may only have 10 sq metres your still doing your bit to protect the environment from being spoilt which is a commendable act anyway protecting the wildlife of the sounds of Raasay.
Regards John

[Lord John]

Originally Posted by canis.rufus

Hiya,

I don't like to disagree with Henrya's advice, but depending on what type of bat box you are using you might find that putting tit boxes next to the bat boxes is beneficial.

All the bat box schemes I am involved in (in Bucks) use Schwegler, which are the gold standard for boxes; very successful, but rather expensive. Recently we have started putting basic wooden tit boxes next to them. The tits prefer the bird boxes, and because they are territorial they stop other birds from using the bat box next door, leaving it free for bats! We need a few more years to be sure, but there has been a marked change in the couple of years since we put them up.

There is a small cravat that this has worked for the 2F and 2FN type boxes, but the birds seems to prefer the 1FD boxes over the bird boxes. I also don't know if it would work for other types of bat boxes.

Good luck with what sounds to be a very worthwhile project.

- Toby.

Hi Toby,
Thanks for the info I think that sounds a good Idea to use tit boxes next door to the batboxes I think I will try this Idea, If it works on other bat sites it should work on our site too then.


There are many types of Bat boxes out there and choosing the right one for the job looks like it going to be trial and error. As we will most likely not be checking batboxes other than looking for droppings to tell if they are being used by bats. Also as we are only visiting the site for maintainance once or twice a year. We will most likely trial a solid type of bat box as no access door for inspection would be required.

We also hope to plant wildflowers in our plot to help the insect life providing the Bats & the Birds with more food by plant wild flowers like bluebells etc.

Putting up insect houses for insects, Butterfly boxes & Insect Theatres for inspecting insects.
Insect House providing shelter for insects.
Butterfly House to provide winter roost sites for butterflies.
Insect Theatre for inspecting what insects are using the area.

Hopefully by adding these other projects to our site will help our chances of creating a perfect environment for the Bats.

Regards John

[The Woodman]

You might wish to consider a very popular type of bat box that I first came across on Bat Conservation International's website. In their bathouse builders handbook they detail what they call the basic bat house. I have made at least two hundred of these simple but effective boxes and can unreservedly recommend them, especially for both species of pipistrelle.

Basically, two pieces of plywood and three pieces of slate batten are all you need. I have a descriptive sheet and will send it to you if you PM me an email a/d. Thay are self cleaning, easy to inspect with a torch from ground level (depends on hanging angle) and cannot harbour roosting or nesting birds.

I am involved with several schemes using Schwegler designs and I think, from memory, the majority of them have been used by birds at some time. I'm not a fan of the wire hanger on the 2F boxes. I cut the twisted nail loop off and form a loop at the ends of the two side wires. The box will sit more comfortably on the tree that way.

[thunder]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Basically, two pieces of plywood and three pieces of slate batten are all you need. I have a descriptive sheet and will send it to you if you PM me an email a/d. Thay are self cleaning, easy to inspect with a torch from ground level (depends on hanging angle) and cannot harbour roosting or nesting birds.

I wouldn't be so sure - I have Great Tits using a box like this for roosting!

henrya

[The Woodman]

What are they perching or hanging on to?

The design I use has never had any bird roosting in it but I've seen very similar boxes with small battens fixed horizontally to keep mesh in place and also metal mesh that birds use to perch on.

If a Great Tit can roost in a box designed for pips I would say the gap is too big.

[thunder]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

What are they perching or hanging on to?

The design I use has never had any bird roosting in it but I've seen very similar boxes with small battens fixed horizontally to keep mesh in place and also metal mesh that birds use to perch on.

If a Great Tit can roost in a box designed for pips I would say the gap is too big.

They cling on to the rough wood of the back (or front) wall. Possibly the gap is larger than one designed specifically for Pipistrelles - next time I am up the ladder I will measure it

henrya

[Flighty]

I agree with The Woodman. The 'American Style' bat boxes that are just panels of wood slightly seperated are really good, and we have had a good level of success here in Cumbria with them.
I look after the bat boxes in two neighbouring small hotel estates, one has mostly schwegler boxes one has all american style and the american style ones are far and away more successful. Most of the schweglers (although often show signs of bats) contain bird nests - mostly blue tits.

I would strongly advise becoming a member of your local bat group as well, both in at home and in the Lochaber area. By being a member at home you will be able to go out regularly and gain experience and skills that will help you make the right decisions about your plot of land. If you join the group in Lochaber they will be able to come out and survey the boxes with you and let you see your bats close up. If you are only going to be up once or twice a year, they may even also be able to keep an eye on the boxes for you (depending on how busy they are!)

Good luck John, sounds like a good project.

[nightshade]

The most sucessful Bat Boxes around here in woodland are Schwegler and roof Pan-tiles fixed to South/South East facing trees

[J-Williams]

I dont know much about bats, well infact I know very little but I do understand (correct me if I am wrong) that bats need a large"ish" expanse of water? Is this true....

And if it is, is you plot near a water source?

A very interesting project, something Ive wanted to do in my local area for a long time (I live near Pennington Flash, may of heard of it) but one, its about finding land, and two time!

So have you seen many bats around your plot and if so, what species?

Good luck!!!