What types of wildlife habitat products are available?

Our ecology range includes bat boxes (various species types including common pipistrelle and brown long-eared), bird nesting boxes (robin, tit, sparrow, swift, house martin and barn owl), hedgehog hibernation houses, insect hotels for bees and lacewings, frog and toad houses, and amphibian hibernation shelters.

Are bat boxes a legal requirement in new developments?

In many UK local planning authorities, ecological mitigation measures including bat and bird boxes are required as planning conditions under the NPPF and local biodiversity policies. Where surveys identify bat roosts that will be disturbed, like-for-like replacement roosts must be provided.

Where should bat boxes be installed?

Bat boxes should be installed at a minimum height of 4 metres, ideally 4-8 metres, in a sunny south or south-west facing position with a clear flight path. Avoid positions directly under a canopy, near artificial lights, or where cats can access.

What is a swift brick?

A swift brick is a specially designed hollow brick with a small entrance hole allowing swifts to nest inside wall cavities. Swift numbers have declined 60% since 1995 largely due to loss of nesting sites during building renovation. Several UK local authorities now require swift bricks in new developments.

Do hedgehog houses need to be maintained?

Hedgehog hibernation boxes should be checked and cleaned annually in early spring (March-April) after hibernation season ends. Remove old nesting material and check for damage. Do not disturb boxes between October and April when hedgehogs may be hibernating inside.