Improved Roost-Maternity Bat Box

The Improved Roost-Maternity Bat Box is purpose-built for crevice-dwelling British bats, particularly the Pipistrelles, Soprano Pipistrelles, and Barbastelles—species that account for over three-quarters of the UK’s bat population. Constructed from certified sustainable wood, the box features precision-cut 12mm exterior plywood panels for superior heat insulation, with an exterior stained in black water-based woodstain to enhance thermal absorption without deterring bats. Its design includes three separate crevices, each offering distinct temperature characteristics, alongside an overhanging roof with added internal insulation to protect against the UK’s weather and minimise draughts. The wide entrance is carefully sized to welcome bats while discouraging larger, unwelcome birds, and internal ceramic heat sinks further stabilise crevice temperatures. A thoughtfully designed “Bat Ladder” at the base and inside the box aids bats in landing, climbing, and navigating the interior, while also acting as a passive solar heat collector, warming the box as sunlight heats the ladder and allowing warm air to rise inside without escaping when external temperatures drop.

Easy to install on walls or trees with just two screws, the box can also be quickly accessed for cleaning or inspection by removing a single screw in the roof. Its rectangular back plate enables multiple boxes to be fitted side by side, encouraging colony growth, and the improved draught-proofing ensures stable internal temperatures. Lightweight yet durable, the box blends practicality with improved aesthetics, making it an attractive addition to any building or tree while prioritising the needs of bats.