Dave Gardner, representing The Environment Trust in Royal Wootton Bassett, approached the group with a request to construct a number of bat boxes. The boxes were required in readiness for installation and use by November 2026. The project provided an opportunity to support local wildlife and conservation activities within the community.
Planning and Preparation
Following the request, suitable designs and construction plans for bat boxes were researched. Based on the available materials and the requirements of the project, plans were drawn up for four individual bat boxes.
The workshop already had a quantity of larch planks available. These were particularly suitable for the project as they had already been cut down to the required width, reducing both material costs and preparation time. Using existing timber also helped make good use of materials already available in the shed.
Construction
The four boxes were constructed using the prepared larch boards. The required components were measured and cut together to ensure consistency between the boxes.
An important feature of the construction was the preparation of the internal surfaces. Slots were cut across the inside of the boards to create a roughened, textured surface. These slots provide the bats with the necessary grip and footholds, enabling them to climb into the boxes and move around inside them.
Care was taken during construction to ensure that the boxes were practical and suitable for their intended purpose, while maintaining a consistent design across all four units.
Completion and Handover
A total of four bat boxes were successfully completed. Once construction was finished, the boxes were handed over to The Environment Trust for their planned use.
The project was therefore completed successfully and within the required timeframe, providing the Trust with four purpose-built boxes to support local bat populations.
Key Outcomes
• Four bat boxes were designed and constructed.
• Existing larch timber was successfully reused from workshop stock.
• Internal climbing slots were incorporated to provide bats with suitable grip.
• The project supported the environmental and conservation objectives of The Environment Trust.
• All four completed boxes were handed over to Dave Gardner for use by the Trust.
• The work was undertaken by Steve and John and completed ahead of the November requirement.
Completed Boxes
