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Mr HF has just bought me a bat box! I have wanted one for years 
Where do I put it? and how do the bats find it?
I am sooooo pleased.
Where do I put it? and how do the bats find it?
I am sooooo pleased.
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From the Beeb.Different designs encourage either summer roosts or hibernation. Summer roost boxes are most popular and may be most likely to be inhabited.
From this site How to make a bat box (pdf).Where should I put my bat box?
Boxes are most likely to be used if they are located in places where bats are known to feed. Woodland, parkland and river banks are good places, as are gardens close to ponds, rivers or parks. Sites should be sheltered from strong winds and exposed to sunlight for as much of the day as possible to increase their internal temperature.
They should also be close to a hedge or tree line, as some species of bat use these to navigate and are reluctant to cross open spaces to get to and from roosts. Boxes should be positioned so that the bats’ approach to them is clear of impediments such as tree branches, and should be as high as possible not only to maximise their exposure to sunlight but also to ensure security from cats or human vandals.
Ideally, two or three boxes should be clustered, facing in different directions in order to allow bats to select a range of roosting temperatures at different times of year – preferably south, south-east and south-west. Try to avoid due west, as this is the prevailing direction of the wind & rain!
Here's another interesting link.Last edited by smallblueplanet; 07-05-2008, 11:09 AM.To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower -
SBP thanks, we a bat that flies around our tiny garden, One year it lived in a gap near our chimney!
I think I have a spot for the box that fits the above brief.
The bat arrives as soon as I can no longer make out the mortar from the stone on the house wall, each night at this time of year, almost every night!Comment
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They are normally fastened to a tree (high up!). Our lad PhantomVeg is a licensed bat handler (no, it's not rude!) and has put them up in various places. They have a ridged bit below for the bats to cling to, and just a slit as an entrance, but otherwise look a bit like a bird box.Whoever plants a garden believes in the future.
www.vegheaven.blogspot.com Updated March 9th - SpringComment
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Morning Flummrey, How do you get to be a licensed bat handler?
Yes, mine looks as you say.
Can't wait for Mr HF to put it up, I am not very good at nagging so it could take some time for him to get round to it. He knows how excited I am, maybe that will help my cause!Comment
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You have to do training with one of the licensed trainers. You will have a local bat group who will have a trainer in their midst or can put you in touch with one. It's like flying - you have to do so many hours working with the trainer.Whoever plants a garden believes in the future.
www.vegheaven.blogspot.com Updated March 9th - SpringComment
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I can hear MrHF now....... he will be saying oh no not something else, here we go again 
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Bat handlers also have to get things like rabies jabs etc before they can be licensed- this can be a problem as many doctors will refuse to give you a jab on the NHS. Some insist employers pay (if your working for an organisation that is providing your training) or you have to pay out of your pocket. I think they quoted around £250 to pay for it to be done, so if your doing it as a hobby, its a fairly costly training process.
i went out 'bat trapping' once last year with a licensed PHD student studying bats- he used a harp trap to attract bats and stop them mid flight,and they drop into a fabric bag at the bottom with flaps to stop them escaping- most amazing thing ever! Really special experience, seeing such wonderful creatures up close!
i might go for my licence one day, but it takes alot of time and dedication to do, and if its just a hobby it must take up alot of your time to keep your hand in enough to be able to maintain your licence.Comment
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Hi selfheal, and a huge welcome to the vine.
£200+ course to be able to touch a bat!......oh yes please, well worth it....one day
I would love to work with bats, do you know of any good basic books on bats?Comment
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i dont know any off the top of my head, as its not really my 'subject' lol, but i can ask around with the people i worked with last year and freinds/lecturers at uni- someone is bound to know the best ones!Comment
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Thanks selfheal!Comment
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