By making space for bats, and installing some WildYard bat boxes from the Norman & Vera range, you not only support biodiversity but also gain a natural pest control service that works while you sleep. Bats are among the most misunderstood yet ecologically vital creatures in the UK. Far from being spooky or sinister, these nocturnal mammals are gentle, intelligent, and incredibly useful allies in the garden.
Regardless of the type, bat boxes should be mounted at least three to five metres above ground level, ideally on mature trees or buildings with good sun exposure for summer roosts, and shaded spots for winter use. Avoid placing them near artificial lights, which can disrupt bat activity and deter roosting.
Providing Bat Boxes: Types and Seasonal Use
Roosting sites are critical for bats, but many natural options - like old trees, barns, and roof spaces - are disappearing. Installing bat boxes is a simple and effective way to help.
Bat boxes come in a variety of designs, each suited to different seasonal needs and bat behaviours. The simplest option is a single-chamber box, which provides a narrow roosting space ideal for occasional use during the warmer months. These are typically used from spring through autumn, when bats are actively feeding and may rest between foraging flights.
For more consistent use, especially by maternity colonies or overwintering bats, multi-chamber boxes are a better choice. These contain two or three internal compartments, offering varied microclimates and enough space for small groups to cluster together. They’re suitable for year-round use and are particularly valuable during the summer breeding season when female bats gather to raise their young.
In colder months, bats seek deeper, more insulated roosts. Boxes with three or more chambers or deep crevice-style designs provide the shelter and thermal stability needed for hibernation. These should be placed in shaded, sheltered areas away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight to maintain a stable internal temperature.
Why Choose WildYard Bat Boxes?
The WildYard bat box range, available from Norman & Vera Garden Emporium, is designed with both bats and British weather in mind. These boxes are:
- Durable and long-lasting, made from FSC-certified timber with weather-resistant finishes.
- Thoughtfully designed, with grooved interiors for easy grip and multiple chambers to suit different species and seasons.
- Eco-friendly, using non-toxic materials and sustainable construction.
- Tested and trusted, recommended by conservationists and used in wildlife-friendly gardens across the UK.
WildYard’s multi-chamber boxes are particularly effective for maternity colonies and overwintering bats, offering the insulation and space needed for group roosting.
Meet the Garden Regulars: Three Common UK Bat Species
While 18 bat species live in the UK, three are especially likely to visit gardens:
Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
- Tiny (weighing around 5g) but mighty insect hunters.
- Often seen at dusk, darting around gardens and hedgerows.
- Roosts in crevices, bat boxes, and buildings.
Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus)
- Similar to the common pipistrelle but prefers wetter habitats.
- Feeds heavily on midges and mosquitoes.
- Roosts in multi-chamber boxes and under roof tiles.
Brown Long-eared Bat (Plecotus auritus)
- Recognizable by its large ears and slow, fluttering flight.
- Feeds on moths and beetles, often gleaned from foliage.
- Roosts in lofts, barns, and deep crevice boxes.
Each species has slightly different roosting preferences, so offering a variety of box types increases your chances of attracting them.
Why Bats Belong in Your Garden
All 18 species of bats in the UK feed exclusively on insects, and their appetite is nothing short of impressive. A single common pipistrelle can consume up to 3,000 insects in one night. That includes mosquitoes, midges, and a host of garden pests such as:
- Cabbage white butterflies (whose larvae damage brassicas)
- Leafhoppers (which transmit plant diseases)
- Codling moths (a threat to apple trees)
- Vine weevils (which attack ornamental plants and strawberries)
- Mosquitoes (a nuisance to humans and pets)
By encouraging bats to roost and forage in your garden, you reduce the need for chemical pesticides and support a healthier ecosystem.
Creating a Bat-Friendly Garden
To attract bats, your garden should offer food, water, shelter, and safe passage. Here’s how:
- Plant night-scented flowers like jasmine, honeysuckle, and evening primrose to attract moths and other nocturnal insects.
- Avoid pesticides, which reduce insect populations and can harm bats directly.
- Install a pond or water feature, which attracts insects and provides drinking water.
- Keep hedgerows and trees, which offer flight corridors and roosting spots.
- Minimize artificial lighting, especially near roosts and feeding areas, as it disrupts bat navigation and feeding.
Bats as Biodiversity Indicators
Bats are sensitive to environmental changes, making them excellent indicators of ecosystem health. A garden that supports bats is likely to support a wide range of other wildlife - from pollinators to amphibians. Their presence signals a thriving, balanced habitat.
Legal Protection and Ethical Considerations
All UK bat species are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. It is illegal to disturb bats or their roosts without a license. When installing bat boxes or making changes to buildings, always consult local wildlife authorities if bats are present.
Creating a Garden That Gives Back
Welcoming bats into your garden is a rewarding act of stewardship. These quiet, efficient insectivores ask for little but give much - controlling pests, enriching biodiversity, and adding a touch of magic to summer evenings. With thoughtful planting, responsible lighting, and well-placed bat boxes like those from WildYard, your garden can become a sanctuary for these remarkable mammals.
So next time you hear the flutter of wings at dusk, look up - you might just be hosting one of nature’s finest garden pest controllers.
