The Chavenage Bat Box is a single chamber quality nesting box for bats. These protected mammals have lost many roosts in recent years and this natural timber Bat Box will provide a roost for a variety of species such as Pippistrelle, Noctule, Leisler's, Natterer's, Daubentons and Brown Long-eared bats.

It will fit into any garden, woodland, or a house wall site. It is made from untreated solid, high quality, durable FSC timber which provides longevity and excellent insulation. Bats are very sensitive to smell and will be deterred by any treatments applied. The box is accessed by the bats through a narrow entrance slot at the base to prevent predation.

The bat box should be sited high up between 2.5m and 5m on a building or mature tree using the pre-drilled back plate hanger. The ideal aspect is so the box receives only part sun during the day North, South West or South East. If it is on an existing feeding or flight route you are more likely to get occupation.

Bats are a schedule 1 protected species under the Wildlife & Countryside Act. It is illegal for any member of the public to disturb a roost, handle or kill any bat. Bat boxes therefore may only be inspected by a licensed bat worker. However, you can monitor your bat box without disturbance, look for mouse-sized droppings beneath the box as a clue to occupation or observe from a distance at dusk to see if bats are exiting the box to hunt.

Here are some interesting bat facts:

• A tiny pipistrelle bat can eat up to 3,000 insects in a night.
• Bats can live up to 30 years.
• Bats are more closely related to people than mice.
• Britain's most common bat, the pipistrelle, is only 4cm long and weighs about 5 grams - less than a 2p coin!
• Bats do not build nests; they hang up or creep into cracks and crannies.
• Bats have excellent navigation skills - they won't get caught in your hair!