Material Guide: Woodcrete

Whether you have upcoming new developments or are looking to enhance existing construction projects with wildlife habitat, you may have come across the term ‘woodcrete’, ‘woodstone’, or a variation of the name. This hardy material is commonly used in bird and bat boxes and is often favoured for its longevity and cost-effectiveness. Here we take a closer look at woodcrete, its properties and manufacturing to help you make informed decisions when beginning new construction projects.  


What is woodcrete? 

Originally patented by Durisol and developed for the construction industry, woodcrete is a building material composed of cement, wood fibres and water. The material is referred to by a number of names, though they are almost identical in composition – woodstone is a trademark registered by Vivara Pro and woodconcrete is the term used by Schwegler, Faunus and Unitura, all suppliers of woodcrete bird and bat habitats. 

A built-in swift box that has been rendered over, leaving just the access point visible.

Woodcrete Properties 

A long-lasting, durable material, woodcrete can last for decades. It is weather resistant, does not support fungal growth and unlike wood products, does not rot. It does not leak, warp or crack, making it the ideal long-lasting, secure material for wildlife habitats. 

  • The breathability of the material reduces the risk of issues with condensation, helping to maintain a healthy environment for roosting inhabitants.  
  • It has good insulative properties and creates a stable environment inside the box to shelter inhabitants from extreme temperatures – especially important for maternity boxes where young are resting. 

More lightweight than concrete, with great durability and strength, this material is suitable for both built-in and mounted nest boxes. The rough inner surfaces provide texture for bats to cling to, and create a safer, more natural environment for nesting animals. Built-in boxes can also be incorporated into brickwork and can be rendered over to blend into the structure whilst providing habitat benefits for local wildlife. 

Shows a series of bat boxes in different stages of installation. the left shows a bat box placed on top of new brickwork, the middle image shows an installed bat box that is flush with the brick and the third shows a bat box that has been rendered over with just the entrance hole visible
Woodcrete bat boxes during installation (left), built-in (middle) and rendered over (right)

Woodcrete Applications  

Woodcrete is used as a construction material, as well as a variety of building and garden products, including artificial habitat products to support wildlife. These can include bat boxes, bird boxes, insect hides, bee bricks and hedgehog domes. Most commonly, woodcrete bat and bird boxes are available in built-in forms that are installed directly into the walls during the construction of new developments. These boxes are designed to cater to species subjected to habitat loss resulting from the development project itself, or urbanisation in the general area.  

 

A rendered built-in bat box

Manufacturing process 

The material is made by chipping specially graded recycled waste wood and mineralising the chips to neutralise sugars. The chip is mixed with cement and water to create the woodcrete mixture, before being poured into moulds like regular concrete. These moulds are cured at high temperatures to ensure strength and weather-resistance and can take a considerable amount of time for the full curing process to take place. 

The manufacturing of woodcrete materials is a lengthy process which can cause a longer lead time for certain products. It is recommended to buy any product manufactured using woodcrete in advance to avoid delays or disappointment. 

 


If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.

NHBS In the Field – Song Meter Mini Bat 2

Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder in situ in a field.

The second-generation Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is one of Wildlife Acoustics’ latest additions to the Song Meter range. This recorder offers improved battery life and weatherproofing, thanks to the new hinged enclosure. Learn more about the improvements and differences in this newer model here. Wildlife Acoustics have now gone one step further offering both AA and Lithium-Ion battery models of the Mini Bat 2. The Lithium-ion model holds 6 rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion batteries giving it 2.5 times more battery life compared to the AA model.  

I took the Mini Bat 2 recorder and set it up for a week in June. As I was only recording for a week, the AA model was more than fit for purpose. I had two aims in mind; firstly, I wanted to see for myself how to deploy and use this newer model, and possibly more importantly, I wanted to discover which bats were living just outside the NHBS office.

Deployment

I set up the device using a 64 GB SDXC card and eight lithium AA batteries (other AA batteries are compatible but may offer shorter battery life).  I chose to set up the recorder outside of our office on a nearby tree situated alongside the River Dart. I hoped that the presence of insects along the river would encourage bats to fly close to the recorder. However, I did experience some issues with this location which I will discuss later. 

SM2 mini bat open on a bench.
Recorder set up with batteries and SD card.

Like its predecessor, the Mini Bat 2 is configured using the free Song Meter app. Here you can select your preferred recording schedule and check the recorder’s status. Whilst in Bluetooth range, you can determine the current status of the recorder, including SD card capacity, battery life, recording mode and number of recordings taken. I used a pre-set recording schedule to record bats from sunset to sunrise (subject to triggering).

SM2 mini bat app open on a phone screen pre-set up.
Recorder status before deployment.

This model now helpfully features cable lock holes so that the unit can be secured – using a Python Lock I fixed the device to the tree and left it for a week to collect recordings. 

What I found

By the end of the week, I had collected over 700 recordings. Despite this, very little battery life had drained and only 3 GB of storage had been used. 

SM2 app screen after set up.
Recorder status after deployment.

I then removed the SD card and loaded the recordings into Kaleidoscope Pro. Unfortunately, I noticed a consistent disturbance present in all the recordings at around 20 – 30kHz. It was then I learned that the office has a ventilation fan, which unbeknownst to me, runs constantly (even at 3 am!). Not a bad reminder that when choosing your recording location to be aware of any possible noise disturbances.

Thankfully, this disturbance did not hamper my ability to analyse the recordings. Helpfully, Kaleidoscope Pro has an auto ID feature which allowed me to categorise the recordings by species. This feature compares each call pulse with reference libraries and generates a confidence interval from 0-1 called a “Match Ratio”. The more commonality a pulse shares with the reference data the higher the match ratio. I was delighted to discover that Kaleidoscope identified five different species just outside our office! My personal favourite being the Greater Horseshoe Bat, as we share a love of caves. Unfortunately, these species are now largely confined to south-west England and south Wales in the UK, so I feel very fortunate that I was able to record them. 

Examples of the recordings can be viewed as sonograms below.

Two greater horseshoe bat calls shown on a sonogram.
Two Greater Horseshoe calls (Match Ratio: 1.000000).
Common pipistrelle calls shown on a sonogram as a bat flies away from the recorder.
Common Pipistrelle (Match Ratio: 0.875000) gradually flying away.

Product Opinion

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is an excellent ultrasonic passive recorder. The unit is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and carry in the field. The set-up was easy thanks to the simple user interface on the Song Meter App, which you can easily navigate to configure and check on your device. The Bluetooth beacon came in useful throughout the week as it allowed me to see the battery life and SD storage without taking the device down.

The Mini Bat 2 has a highly sensitive ultrasonic microphone capable of capturing high-quality recordings up to 250kHz, covering a truly impressive ultrasonic range. The sonograms above show the clear and distinct waveforms created; characteristic of the different species recorded. The excellent recording quality also helps to simplify the sound analysis when using the auto ID function of Kaleidoscope Pro.

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 is a great addition to the Wildlife Acoustics range and features many improvements over its predecessor. It’s easy set up and deployment, making it simple and engaging to use. With its improved weatherproofing and in-built Bluetooth beacon, the Mini Bat 2 is a brilliant choice for remote recording. Furthermore, the increased battery life means the unit can be used for short- and long-term surveys.

In summary, the Mini Bat 2 is a fantastic all-rounder with a wide array of configurations and capabilities making it an ideal recorder for both enthusiasts and researchers.

Integrated Bat Boxes for New Builds and Developments

The range of integrated or built-in habitats designed for bats can be overwhelming. For new developments, or renovation projects, you may be searching for bat boxes to incorporate additional habitat into your build, and support species while providing new infrastructure. With an upturn in low impact, wildlife friendly construction, integrated bat products are becoming increasingly relevant in the construction sector. Bat boxes are designed to provide an appropriately sized, predator-free space for bats to roost or hibernate. They are designed to be built-in to the building itself, whether this be roofing or brickwork and are unobtrusive, often hard to spot, and help to provide various species with a permanent roost. 

There are 18 bat species in the UK, all of which use the same areas of buildings to roost in the absence of natural habitats – most commonly cellars, roofs and loose brickwork, among many more.  In general, bat boxes should be placed between 3-6 metres high, in a sunny location with around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. It is also best to avoid placing these in areas around artificial light. For built-in products, woodcrete (or woodstone, woodconcrete) is preferred due to its durability, longevity and good insulative properties. 

Here we discuss integrated bat boxes, providing an overview of our selection of bat habitats and their benefits. 


Types of Integrated Bat Boxes 

Bat Tiles, Bricks and Panels 

Tiles, bricks and panels provide bats with an access point to a suitable roosting space, whether this be within the roof, ridge tiles or a cavity area behind bricks and panels. They are designed to be incorporated into the build itself during construction or renovation and should be provided with suitable roosting cavities behind the access point, usually in the form of bat boxes or insulation-free cavity space.  

Bat Access Brick (197697) 

  • Made to standard brick size
  • Suitable for new builds or renovation
  • Available in multiple colours to cater to existing structures
  • Requires a cavity chamber

 

 

1FE Schwegler Bat Access Panel (183033) 

  • Can be used to conserve existing roosts or create new sites
  • Made with woodcrete to ensure durability and breathability
  • Rot-proof
  • Can be painted or rendered over

 

 

 

Bat Access Tile Set (187127) 

  • Made to order
  • Provides bats with an entrance to underfelt or open loft
  • Protection from heat extremes
  • Available in five traditional tile colours

 

 

Integrated Bat Boxes 

Bat boxes are designed to cater for either crevice and cavity dwelling species through varying complexity or can occasionally be a hybrid design to encourage uptake from both groups. These self-contained roosts are unobtrusive and are typically installed flush to the wall or can be rendered over. Bat boxes can also be designed for hibernation and breeding, providing a well-insulated, larger space to accommodate breeding colonies and larger groups.  

Integrated Eco Bat Box (232521) 

  • Suitable for crevice or cavity species
  • Weatherproof
  • Long lasting and lightweight
  • Replaces 6 standard bricks
  • Made with recycled plastic

 

 

 

 

Vivara Pro Build-in WoodStone Bat Box (252139) 

  • Can be rendered over
  • Discreet entrance hole
  • Modular design which can be connected in the facade
  • Long lasting, insulative woodstone material

 

 

 

 

 

Unitura Modular Bat Tubes (264632) 

A large grey concrete box built into the wall with a thin slit at the bottom edge

  • Woodconcrete
  • Modular design which can be connected in the facade
  • Can be rendered over
  • Multiple depths and styles available
  • Sloped entrance promotes water run off
  • Single double or triple crevice layers

 

 

 

1WI Schwegler Summer and Winter Bat Box (187994) 

  • Suitable for year-round occupation
  • Suitable for maternity and roosting
  • Woodcrete has good longevity and insulative properties
  • Can be rendered over

 

 

 

 

 

1FR Schwegler Tube (178018) 

  • Woodcrete
  • Suitable for rendering
  • Long lasting and durable
  • Discrete entrance hole
  • Suitable as a summer roost

 

 

 

 

 

Custom Bat Boxes 

Bat boxes typically consist of a solid box made from insulating materials with an internal roosting space. They can be custom faced with a chosen brick type (or existing brick, wood, stonework or rendered finish) to allow for discrete installation and a better blend into the existing facade. 

 

Habibat Bat Box 003 Custom Brick Blended Facing (205039) 

  • Made to order
  • Blended facing
  • Insulative properties
  • Customisable brick facing and plinth to blend with existing brickwork

 

 

 

Habibat Bat Box 001 – Custom Brick Facing (193477) 

Habibat Bat Box - Custom Brick Facing

  • Made to order
  • Insulative properties
  • Blended facing in brick to match building
  • Unobtrusive design

 

 

 

 

Ibstock Enclosed Bat Box ‘B’ (214595) 

  • Made to order
  • Intended as a summer roosting space
  • Available in two sizes and three colours

 

 

 

 

Habibat 3S Bat Box (249968) 

  • Made to order
  • Available in a variety of facings to suit any existing brick, wood, stonework or aa rendered finish
  • Insulative properties

 

 

 

External Bat Boxes  

An alternative to integrated habitat boxes, externally mounted bat boxes can be attached to trees, fences, or buildings and are typically made of woodstone or woodcrete. These versatile boxes can be designed for summer roosting, hibernation, or maternity roosting, varying in size to accommodate different species. 

2F Schwegler Bat Box (General Purpose) (174814) 

  • Woodcrete
  • Summer roosting space
  • Removable front panel
  • Long lasting

 

 

 

 

 

Large Multi Chamber WoodStone Bat Box (246918) 

  • Woodstone
  • Suitable for maternity and summer roosting
  • Also suitable as a hibernation box in mild winters
  • Long lasting
  • Removable front panel

 

 

 

Elisa Bat Box (259840) 

  • Wood concrete 
  • Long lasting  
  • Suitable as a summer roost 
  • Curved for a closer fit to trees 

 

 

 

 

Vivara Pro WoodStone Bat Box (210820) 

  • WoodStone 
  • Suitable as a summer roosting space 
  • Long lasting  
  • Removable front panel 

 

 

 

 

2FE Schwegler Wall-mounted Bat Shelter (Pack of 2) (190558) 

  • Suitable for summer roosts or for winter hibernation quarters 
  • Fixed to external walls 
  • Long lasting 

 

 

 

For more information on bat boxes and how to choose them, read our Bat Boxes Buyers Guide.


 Our full range of bat boxes can be found here.

If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.

Bat Box Basics: A Guide

Whether you are planning a construction project, are in the middle of a newbuild or are looking to update an existing structure, you may be exploring options for providing bat habitats. We have an extensive range of bat boxes available on our website, in a variety of formats and materials. Here we explore the different types, how they may be used and where they can be installed.  


Bat Box Material Properties 

A three-part bat box located under the gables of a house, it is grey and has entrance holes at the bottom of the box

Bat boxes are constructed with a variety of materials, each with differing properties.  

  • Most commonly used for external boxes, wood is lightweight with good thermal properties for inhabitants. However, it does rot without treatment and therefore does not last as long as other materials.  
  • Woodcrete (also named woodstone or woodconcrete) is a very durable material with exceptional thermal properties and is often the material of choice for built-in boxes. It can also be used externally and can last several decades once installed.  
  • Eco-plastics are used to create lightweight boxes, typically designed for external use. They have good weather resistance and longevity, although less durability.  
  • Concrete is exceptionally durable and is used for built-in boxes. It has good thermal properties but due to its weight, is unsuitable for external mounting. 

 

Maternity Boxes  

Typically larger in size with multiple internal chambers, maternity boxes are designed to support breeding colonies by providing a well-insulated roosting space for raising young.  

These boxes are mostly made for external installation but are also available in a built-in format which is installed into the brickwork and can be rendered over.  

Since these boxes are mostly available in an external form, they can be installed once construction has taken place. Built-in boxes should be fixed during the construction process and installed directly into the brickwork.  

Example:

A black bat box attached to a tree in the woods

Improved Roost-Maternity Bat Box

#187787

An FSC certified crevice box, suitable for roosts or maternity groups.

 

 

 

 

Bat Tubes  

Bat tubes are longer internal cavities with multiple sections or crevices. These are often made of woodcrete and are available in modular versions which can be connected in the facade allowing for side-by-side or a longer tower format. 

These boxes come built-in and are incorporated into the building’s brickwork during exterior wall construction where they can be rendered over.  

Example:

A large grey concrete box built into the wall with a thin slit at the bottom edge

Unitura Modular Bat Tubes

#264632

A modular option available in multiple depths and styles for crevice and cavity species.

 

 

 

Bat Bricks     

Constructed to industry standard size, bat bricks have a dome-shaped access hole to allow bats into a suitable cavity.  

These products are designed to be incorporated into the brickwork of a building, whether this be a new build or an existing structure under renovation, and are available in standard colours enabling them to seamlessly blend into existing walls. When installing bat bricks, it is important to ensure that a chamber free from insulating material is available behind the access brick to allow bats to safely roost. 

Example: 197697 

Bat Access Brick 

#197697

A standard-sized brick available in red, golden and brown colours.

 

 

 

Access Tiles and Panels 

Similar to bat bricks, these tiles provide an access point to open roof space or the underfelt of the roof, allowing bats to nest in confined spaces beneath the tiles. They can be installed within the roof or ridge tiles during construction, or they may be used to replace tiles on existing structures, and are available in multiple colours to blend seamlessly into existing tiles.  

Bat access panels are also available to provide bats access to a roosting site, and are particularly advantageous for renovation projects with existing roosting colonies. These panels can also be rendered over, and can be installed at any point during construction.  

Access tiles and panels require an insulation-free cavity behind the product to provide nesting space. 

Examples:

Bat Access Tile Set

#187127

This set includes three tiles available in five traditional roof tile colours.

 

 

1FE Schwegler Bat Access Panel

#180333

A woodconcrete access panel with an overall depth of just 8cm for easy integration.

 

 

 

 

Bat Box 

These boxes are available as external or built-in designs and consist of a simple box with an entrance hole and varying interiors. Bat boxes can come in a range of forms, and can have one large, single cavity or a multi-chamber interior and can cater to both crevice and cavity-dwelling bats. There are also hybrid options, where a box is designed with cavities for multiple species, for example a box may cater to bats and Swifts.  

Built-in boxes are designed to be installed among the brickwork and can be rendered over. External boxes can be mounted to trees, fences and buildings with the appropriate fixings. It is important to consider the weight of an external box before mounting, more lightweight boxes (made from wood or plastic for example) can be fixed to trees, but heavier woodcrete boxes should be fixed to a solid structure.  

Examples:

Large Multi Chamber Woodstone Bat Box

#246918

A large multi-chamber box that is also suitable as a hibernation, maternity or summer roosting space

 

 

Kiki Bat and Swift Hybrid Box

#261420

A hybrid box designed to support multiple species, including cavity and crevice dwelling species.

 

 

 

PRO UK Build-in WoodStone Bat Box

#256321

A maintenance-free woodstone box designed to work with UK brick dimensions.

 

 

 

 

Elisa Bat Box

#259840

Features a single internal cavity that is suitable as a summer roost.

 

 

 

Rocket box  

Rocket boxes are large, pole-mounted habitats that provide a large roosting area over multiple chambers. Typically made with a plastic shell, these boxes allow for 360 movement and are available with both crevice and cavity designs.  

Rocket boxes are external and do not attach to any part of the building. They are particularly useful when there are no suitable trees for external boxes, and a wall mounted box is undesirable. They have also been used to provide an alternative roosting site near building works.  

Example:

Eco Rocket Bat Box

#242611

A pole-mounted bat box available in a cavity or crevice design.

 

 

 

For more information on bat boxes and how to choose them, read our Bat Boxes Buyers Guide.


 Our full range of bat boxes can be found here.

If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.

Garden Wildlife Watching: Sabine’s Trail Cameras

Although widely used by ecologists, trail cameras are popular with naturalists, wildlife watchers and those who are simply curious as to what creatures can be found in their gardens. They allow us to monitor the wildlife around us without impacting their natural behaviours and can capture both images and video during the day and night, with the help of infrared imaging technology. Trail cameras are constructed to endure harsh outdoor conditions, including wind, rain and temperature fluctuations, making them robust and long-wearing.  

With this technology we can observe wildlife that we may not otherwise be able to see. They allow us to watch easily startled species, like deer, or those that are nocturnal, like foxes. We can also record and observe a much broader, and more natural, range of behaviours without disturbance from humans. 

Our colleague, Sabine, recently captured some excellent footage on two trail cameras around her home using the Num’axes PIE1060 Solar Wi-Fi Trail Camera and the Browning Strike Force Pro1080. The cameras were placed in her orchard, which has a small stream, and were left to record for around four months and one year respectively, capturing some exciting finds.  


Here’s what Sabine found:

A pair of Magpies (Pica Pica) drinking and bathing in a stream, a natural behaviour which can easily be disturbed by human presence.  

 

The Browning detected Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) during both the daytime and night time around the orchard. Deer are easily startled by human presence and trail cameras allow us to observe their natural, relaxed behaviours 

 

Another day and night comparison of Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Videos recorded by the trail camera gave us a great insight into their breeding behaviours, not commonly seen in the flesh 

 

A possible Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) emerging from its burrow. Usually sticking to their underground burrows, or dense surrounding vegetation, a carefully placed trail camera can even be used to capture the more unusual species found across the British countryside. 

 

A Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) perched on a fence post to have its morning meal of a large nut. Another example of natural, undisturbed behaviour of a typically wary species.  

 

For more information on how to choose a trail camera, see our buyers guide and our trail camera blogs on the Conservation Hub. 

 

The NHBS Guide to Swift Nest Boxes

Alongside House Martins and Swallows, Swifts are losing suitable nesting habitat at an alarming rate. Through changes to roof design and structure, nesting sites are becoming increasingly rare. This has contributed to the widespread decline of this species which has seen them added to the UK Red list.  

Swifts return to Britain and Ireland from April, following a lengthy flight from Africa. Before leaving in August, Swifts must mate, lay and incubate their eggs. Nest boxes provide Swift colonies with the perfect site to raise their young – boxes should ideally have a large internal cavity with an elongated entrance hole, either at the bottom or downward facing. Swift nest boxes should be placed under the eaves of a building, on walls at least five metres in height. Since these birds nest in colonies, multiple nest boxes or boxes on neighboring houses are ideal for attracting more Swifts.  

Here, we look at a selection of nest boxes suitable for Swifts, highlighting the benefits of each design.  


Key materials 

Wooden nest boxes are preferred by many. This lightweight material is breathable and provides excellent insulation for nesting birds, helping to protect them from temperature extremes between seasons. Typically used for external boxes, harder wood types provide a fair level of robustness and longevity when at least 15mm thick and help to prevent predator access to the nest.  The main drawback of wooden nests is the maintenance they require – they should be monitored to ensure the wood remains in good condition, and care taken in choosing wood treatments as many can be harmful to nesting birds. 

WoodStone and Woodcrete are almost identical in composition, but Woodcrete is a patented material by Durisol. The material is made from a blend of wood and concrete to produce long-lasting, very durable boxes which can last for decades. It has good insulative properties and creates a thermally stable environment inside the box to shelter inhabitants from extreme temperatures. This material is offered for both built-in and mounted nest boxes but is more often used for built-in boxes due to its weight, which is heavier than wood or eco-plastic. WoodStone is typically more expensive than other materials and requires thoughtful design to improve ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture in the nest.  

Certain components of a bird box may be made with eco-, or regular, plastic. A low-cost option, plastic is more lightweight than Woodcrete, and provides more longevity than wood. This weather resistant material is easy to maintain and is often sourced from recycled plastics. Nest boxes featuring eco-plastic require careful design to mitigate issues with insulation and ventilation. This material is, however, less durable and provides little resistance to predators or extreme temperatures. 

 

Our Suggestions: 

Built in Swift Nest Boxes

Woodcrete/woodstone Swift Nest Boxes

PRO UK Rendered Build-in Swift Box

This built-in box provides Swifts with a thermally stable, secure nesting space. Woodstone is a durable, long-lasting material that is perfect for new builds. Because it is constructed to standard brick dimensions, this nest box can be rendered over to better blend into constructed walls.  

 

Pino Build-in Swift Box

This box provides nesting birds with ample nesting space in a single internal cavity. Woodstone material improves the thermal stability and longevity of the box, while maintaining breathability. This build-in box is also suitable for sparrows, Starlings and other small urban birds. 

 

Wooden Swift Nest Boxes

Soffit and Fascia Swift Box

 This built-in box from Unitura is designed to be mounted in eaves and soffits and features a sloped nesting board to allow for mounting at multiple angles. The box has one wood-concrete entrance for extra durability, and a durable plywood box for longevity. This nest box has two nesting bowls to encourage colony nesting. 

 

Concrete/Brick Swift Nest Boxes

Ibstock Eco-habitat for Swifts

Designed to be incorporated into new builds or renovated properties, this Swift brick comes in three colours to ensure discreet placement. Constructed from brick, this box will be durable and will last for many years. 

 

Swift Box – Smooth Brick

Made with insulating concrete, this nesting box provides a long-lasting, discrete, internal nesting space for Swifts. It can last for decades in the right environment. This box can also be bought unfaced, allowing it to be rendered to match the building’s aesthetics.  

 

External 

Woodcrete/woodstone Swift Nest Boxes

Vivara Pro Woodstone Swift Nest Box

This robust nest box is constructed entirely of woodstone, ensuring a long-lasting, enduring design and thermal stability throughout the year. A rear entrance provides easy access for cleaning, and a downward facing entrance hole discourages other small garden birds from occupying the nesting space.  

 

Unitura External Swift Box

This nest box has a single cavity for nesting Swifts and an elongated entrance hole. The woodconcrete material ensures a climactically stable, long-lasting environment for generations of Swifts and a sloped roof ensures adequate drainage.  

 

Wooden Swift Nest Boxes

FSC Wooden Swift Box

This robust nest box provides a single compartment for nesting Swifts, with excellent insulation for stability in extreme temperatures. An oval entrance hole and sloping roofs help to exclude Starlings and encourage Swift settlement. Designed to be placed under eaves, the mounting plates and openings are on the sides to allow close-fitting insulation.  

 

Under-eaves Swift Box

Available with left and right-hand side entrances, this box provides nesting Swifts with an underside entrance and landing ramp for easy access. The wood construction is naturally fungal and insect repellent and provides nesting birds with a well-insulated, stable environment.  

 

Kiki Bat and Swift Hybrid Box

A hybrid box designed to house both Swifts and bats, the Kiki nesting box provides a thermally-resistant environment suitable for both groups. The compartment that is allocated for Swift nesting has a forward-facing entrance. The durable, long-lasting design can have a lifespan up to 25 years. 

 

Alternative Swift Nest Boxes

Habi-Sabi Double Swift Box

Constructed with an upcycled material made from recycled waste insulation, this double-chambered swift box is 100% resistant to moisture and has a long lifespan of up to 25 years. It is lightweight and simple to construct, making it a worthy addition to an existing structure. The excellent thermal properties, and downward-facing entrance, make this an attractive nesting choice for visiting Swifts.  

 

Manthorpe Swift Brick

An unobtrusive nest box, the Manthorpe Swift Brick provides nesting birds with a long-lasting, secure nesting site. This nest box is designed to sit inside the insulation cavity of a building, helping to create a thermally stable environment. This brick is available in six colours to blend into existing brickwork. 

 

Accessories for Swift Nest Boxes

Schwegler Swift Nest Mould 

Designed to be incorporated into Swift nest boxes or existing cavities, this nest mould provides an appealing base to encourage Swift nesting 

 

Schwegler Droppings Board

This droppings board prevents the accumulation of droppings from Swift nest boxes around windows and doors. It can be easily assembled and installed using screws and is suitable for use beneath any nest box.

 

For more information on bird boxes and how to choose them, find our Buyers Guides here. 

The NHBS Guide: House Martin and Swallow Nest Boxes

Modern infrastructure has come with a host of changes to roof design, which have impacted the availability of suitable nesting sites for a number of avian species. House Martins and Swallows have been particularly affected by these changes, and we can encourage their colonisation, nesting and breeding through the provision of artificial habitats. 

These birds live in colonies of around five nests constructed using spring mud, but in drier springs this can be in short supply. Gathering building materials also requires significant energy expenditure for breeding birds, removing energy available for roosting and raising young. Nest boxes provide a ready–made habitat suitable for nesting without spring mud availability. 

Swallows and House Martins require a cup or bowl-shaped nest, with a small, narrow entrance and are generally made of Woodcrete/WoodStone or hard wood. They are typically placed under the external eaves of a building to mimic natural nesting locations and are best placed on a sheltered side at a minimum height of 2m above the ground. Due to their natural nesting habits, House Martin and Swallow nests are designed to be wall mounted. These birds are highly sociable and prefer to nest in colonies, so consider mounting multiple nests to further support natural behaviour. 

Here we look at a selection of nest boxes suitable for House Martins and Swallows, highlighting the benefits of each design.  


Key materials 

Wooden nest boxes are preferred by many. This lightweight material is breathable and provides excellent insulation for nesting birds, helping to protect them from temperature extremes between seasons. Typically used for external boxes, harder wood types provide a fair level of robustness and longevity when at least 15mm thick and help to prevent predator access to the nest.  The main drawback of wooden nests is the maintenance they require – they should be monitored to ensure the wood remains in good condition, and care taken in choosing wood treatments as many can be harmful to nesting birds. 

WoodStone and Woodcrete are almost identical in composition, but Woodcrete is a patented material by Durisol. The material is made from a blend of wood and concrete to produce long-lasting, very durable boxes which can last for decades. It has good insulative properties and creates a stable environment inside the box to shelter inhabitants from extreme temperatures. This material is offered for both built-in and mounted nest boxes but is more often used for built-in boxes due to its weight, which is heavier than wood or eco-plastic. WoodStone is typically more expensive than other materials and requires thoughtful design to improve ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture in the nest.  

Certain components of a bird box may be made with eco-, or regular, plastic. A low-cost option, plastic is more lightweight than Woodcrete, and provides more longevity than wood. This weather resistant material is easy to maintain and is often sourced from recycled plastics. Nest boxes featuring eco-plastic require careful design to mitigate issues with insulation and ventilation. This material is, however, less durable and provides little resistance to predators. 

 

Our Suggestions: 

External House Martin Nest Boxes

Woodcrete/Woodstone House Martin Nest Boxes

Manuel House Martin Nest Bowl 

The nest bowl is made from wood concrete, ensuring long-lasting durability and a stable interior climate. The chipboard backing ensures easy, lightweight installation.  

 

House Martin Nests 

A WoodStone nesting box that ensures breathability, durability and temperature stability for nesting House Martins. The exterior grade plywood backing is lightweight making it easy to install, and is hard-wearing to ensure a long-lasting product.  

 

Vivara Pro WoodStone House Martin Nest 

Made with WoodStone, a mixture of FSC certified wood fibres and concrete, this House Martin nest features excellent durability and thermal properties to ensure temperature stability for nesting birds. The backing is also made with WoodStone to increase the durability of the overall unit. Double nest options are also available.  

 

No. 13 Schwegler Modular House Martin Nest 

Constructed with Woodcrete, nesting birds will benefit from air permeability and weatherproofing with a low maintenance, long-lasting design. This nest cup is uniquely mounted on a durable backing plate and rails to simplify the installation and cleaning process. Also available in a semi-finished format, allowing House Martins to complete the nest themselves which encourages natural building behaviours.  

 

Alternative House Martin Nest Boxes

Ceramic House Martin Bowl 

A ceramic nest bowl mounted on a wooden backing plate. Ceramics provide a breathable nesting area with good thermal properties, whilst providing a plastic-free habitat for breeding birds.  

 

Eco House Martin Nest 

The nest cup is made from a resin-concrete mixture, mounted onto a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) backing plate made from recycled plastic waste. A plastic roof and cup drainage holes ensure a dry nest throughout the season.  

 

Wooden House Martin Cup 

Made of a mixture of sawdust and cornstarch, this 3D printed nesting cup is fully biodegradable. The result is a durable, weather resistant habitat that is breathable, with adequate insulation for nesting birds. 

 

Accessories for House Martin Nest Boxes

 Schwegler Droppings Board for House Martin & Swallow Nests 

This droppings board prevents the accumulation of droppings from Swallow and House Martin nest bowls around windows and doors. It can be quickly and easily assembled and installed using screws and is suitable for use beneath any House Martin or Swallow nest box.  

 

For more information on bird boxes and how to choose them, find our Buyers Guides here. 

Top 5: Bat Detectors

Bats use echolocation, a series of high-pitched calls, to socialise, navigate their habitat and hunt for their prey. Most of these vocalisations are above the range of human hearing, so we require a bat detector to hear them. These devices allow us to monitor bat species by listening to their calls, observe their behaviours and feeding, and to identify species in a given area. Here we look at a selection of our bat detectors, highlighting the key points to consider when expanding your kit. 


#255963 Echo Meter Touch 2  

A popular, cost-effective option. This lightweight, full-spectrum recorder can be attached to your mobile device to listen to, view and record sounds while identifying the species encountered on the free app. For device compatibility, see the Wildlife Acoustics page 

  • Recording format: Full spectrum 
  • Listening mode: Heterodyne 
  • Max frequency: 128kHz 
  • Sample rate: 256 samples per second at 16 bits 

 

 

 

#171849 Magenta 5 

This entry-level detector has a very simple design catering to complete beginners. It allows users to listen in real time, with extended low frequency coverage which can also pick up insects and birds.  

  • Recording format: Heterodyne 
  • Max frequency: 130kHz 
  • Long battery life 
  • Manual tuning 

 

 

#194636 Elekon Batscanner 

An auto-scanning, heterodyne bat detector, the Elekon Batscanner allows for simple listening in real time. This detector features excellent audio performance with a digitally driven heterodyne converter.  

  • Recording format: Heterodyne 
  • Frequency range: 15–120kHz 
  • Up to 25 hours operating time 

 

 

#177263 Batbox Baton 

A cost-effective, frequency division detector, the Batbox Baton is simple and easy to use thanks to its auto-scanning, one-button operation. This detector also comes with BatScan software to analyse your recordings.  

  • Recording format: Heterodyne  
  • Frequency range: 20–120kHz 
  • Up to 30-hour battery life 

 

 

 

#245798 Anabat Scout 

Designed for transect surveys, this full-spectrum detector features a built-in GPS and a simple press-and-go design suitable for any level of experience. The Scout ensures excellent quality audio and recording, which can be analysed using the free Anabat Insight software.  

  • Recording format: Full spectrum 
  • Frequency range: 10–160 kHz 
  • Sampling rate: 320 ksps, 16 bit  
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life 

 

 

For more information on how to choose the right product, see our Buyers Guides 


Recommended reading:  

The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection 

September 2021 | Paperback

An in-depth handbook on how to gather and analyse bat calls. 

 

 

Acoustic Ecology of European Bats

June 2020 | Hardback

This unique, richly illustrated book offers an extensive reference on the acoustic identification of European bats. 

 

 

How to Choose a Pair of Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars is an invaluable part of any field kit and they provide some of the most memorable wildlife encounters. There is an overwhelming array of sizes and specifications and it can be difficult to choose between them when purchasing a new pair. In this post we will provide a summary of some of the key features of a pair of binoculars, to help you find the best pair to accompany you on surveys, whilst travelling or when enjoying your local wildlife.

Once you have decided on your budget, there are a few key metrics that will help you decide which pair of binoculars will suit you best. With binoculars it really is worth paying as much as you can afford as the glass, lens coatings and specifications improve with every step up in price.

Magnification

Binocular models generally have two numbers in their description. The first of these relates to the magnification. (For example, 8 x 42 binoculars will have a magnification of 8x). In general, binoculars have a magnification between 8x and 12x. As you would expect, the higher the magnification, the larger objects will appear when looking through them. As magnification increases, the field of view can be reduced and you will need to ensure that you have steady hands or use some kind of support.

Lens Diameter

Larger diameter lenses provide brighter images at dawn and dusk. Photo credit: Paulo Valdivieso – www.flickr.com

The second number in the binocular model description (e.g. 8 x 42) refers to the diameter of the objective lens. Standard size binoculars tend to have objective lenses of 32mm to 42mm whilst lenses in compact binoculars usually measure 25mm. Larger lenses can dramatically improve low light performance and are particularly good for use at dusk or dawn. The trade-off is that larger lenses are heavier. The most popular size of binoculars for birdwatching was traditionally 8 x 42, but with advances in manufacture and lens performance, 8 x 32 binoculars now offer fantastic specifications in a more compact body.

Glass Type

The type and quality of glass have a huge impact on image quality. Image by Bicanski via Public Domain Images

The type of glass used to manufacture the lenses can vastly affect the quality of the image. Two types of glass to look out for are extra-low dispersion (ED) and fluoride (FL) glass. These reduce chromatic aberrations giving clearer and sharper colours and reduced colour “fringing”.

 

Fringing is the blurring that can occur between light and dark parts of an image. If your budget allows for an upgrade to ED glass binoculars, you will notice a distinct improvement in clarity compared to binoculars without ED glass. Affordable pairs of ED binoculars include the Hawke Optics Endurance ED and the Opticron Explorer ED.

Lens and Prism Coatings

The primary difference in performance and the brightness of images between different pairs of binoculars is often due to lens and prism coatings. Light is lost as it travels across every surface inside a pair of binoculars and the aim of a good pair of binoculars is to keep light transmission as high as possible between the objective and the ocular lens. Lens and prism coatings reduce the amount of light that is lost helping to produce a brighter and sharper image. Lenses that are multi-coated have multiple layers of lens coatings. High-quality binoculars are fully multi-coated which means that they have multiple layers of coating on all lens surfaces. Roof prism binoculars have a particular problem with “phase shift” where the polarisation angle of the prism causes the light passing through to be split into two slightly out of phase beams. This results in an image that has lower resolution and may look slightly blurred. Prism coatings correct this problem by forcing the split light back into phase. Look out for binoculars with Phase Correction (PC) prism coatings.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina). Photo credit: Ron Knight – www.flickr.com
Key Comparison Metrics

Comparing some of the performance metrics of a pair of binoculars can help when deciding which pair would best suit your purposes. In particular, field of view will be useful if you are looking at large landscapes (e.g. whale or sea watching) and close focus is very important if you are looking at insects.

Field of View – The field of view is how wide an image can be seen at a specified distance (usually 1000m). A wide field of view is useful for large landscapes and for fast-moving animals. Models with a particularly wide field of view include all of the Kite Optics range, the Opticron Discovery, Traveller ED and Explorer ranges, the Bushnell Prime and Forge ranges and the Swarovski EL and SLC binoculars.

The Opticron Discovery range of binoculars has a fantastic field of view and great close focus.

Close Focus – The close focus is the minimum distance at which the binoculars are able to focus. People interested in viewing insects using their binoculars would be advised to choose a model with a small close focus distance. Models with particularly low close focus include the Opticron Discovery and Traveller ranges, the Swarovski EL and the Kite Lynx HD+ binoculars.

Weight – The weight of the binoculars is incredibly important, as it is likely that you will be carrying them around for long periods of time. Higher quality models of comparable specification will tend to be lighter than entry-level models, and those with larger objective lenses will weigh more than those with smaller ones. Binoculars that are particularly lightweight and excellent for travelling include the Opticron Traveller range and the Hawke Optics Nature-Trek and Endurance ranges.

Eye Relief – This is the maximum distance from the eyepiece lens that the eye can be positioned at which the full width of the image is visible without vignetting (darkening of the image around the edges). Longer eye relief is useful for those who wear glasses.

If you have any queries regarding binoculars then our Customer Services team and trained Wildlife Equipment Specialists would be delighted to assist on 01803 865913 or via email at customer.services@nhbs.com.

Recommended Models

Entry Level

Kite Ursus Binoculars
Ease of use and excellent build quality in conjunction with a wide field of view and high image quality make this model ideal for beginner binocular users.

 

Budget Friendly 

Yukon Sideview Compact Binoculars

Lightweight, robust and budget-friendly. These binoculars are ideal for fieldwork in almost any condition.

 

General Purpose

Bushnell POWERVIEW 2 Binoculars 

A high-power , budget option for birders and other outdoor enthusiasts. Light and comfortable with the option for tripod mounting.  

 

Travelling

Black binoculars

Nikon Sportstar EX DCF Compact Binoculars Ultra-lightweight, pocket-sized and weatherproof. Don’t get caught out when away from home with these binoculars.

 

Mid-range

GPO Passion HD Binoculars
Multi-layer lens coating offers unbeatable image quality for the price, and a magnesium rubberised chassis creates a robust housing for the German-engineered optics.

 

Top of the Range

Swarovski NL Pure Binoculars
Enhanced optics offer the widest field of view with almost discernible edges all housed within a revolutionary ergonomic housing.

 

Specialist Models

Kite APC Binoculars 42

Powerful image-stabilising binoculars ideal for use in vehicles or other fast-moving situations.

 

 

Hawke Frontier LRF 8×42 

High-quality optics with an integrated laser range finder.  

 

 

Swarovski Axio

The expected Swarovski quality with integrated Artificial Intelligence identification features brings binoculars into the AI age.  

 

 

Hawke Endurance ED Marine Binoculars 

Ideal for marine surveys, these fully waterproof (IP67) binoculars come with an integrated compass and supplied floating neck strap. 

 

Accessories 

 Viking Swallow Smartphone Adapter

Two available smartphone adapter options allow users to take crisp and stable shots directly down the lens of their binoculars or spotting scope using most smart-phone cameras.

 

Banner image features Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus). Photo credit: Tony Hisgett – www.flickr.com

Top 5: Trail Cameras

Trail cameras can be extremely useful tools for ecologists and naturalists, enabling simple non-invasive monitoring of wildlife. Here we feature five of our most popular models, highlighting the key features of each for easy comparison. 

For more detailed information please read our Trail Cameras Buyers Guide. 


#256294 Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5  

Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5 trail camera

A good quality trail camera with fast trigger speed, this model is an excellent all-rounder.

Image quality: 24 mp
Video quality: 1920 x 1080p
Video length: Max 2 minutes
Glow: No glow
Trigger speed: 0.1-0.7 seconds
Recovery: 0.5 seconds
Flash range: 30 metres
Detection range: 24 metres
RADIANT 5 illumination technology

 

#258744 Spypoint Flex 

#258744 Spypoint Flex trail camera

An innovative low-glow trail camera with cellular transmission to transfer images to a mobile device.

Image quality: 33 mp
Video quality: 1920 x 1080p
Video length: Max 15 seconds
Glow: Low glow
Trigger speed: 0.3 seconds
Flash range: 30 metres
Detection range: 30 metres

 

 

#259714 Num’axes PIE1059 Trail Camera

Cost-effective and entry-level, the Num’axes PIE1059 is a robust, no-glow trail camera with great resolution.

Image quality: 32 mp
Video quality: 1920 x 1080p
Video length: Max 30 seconds
Glow: No glow
Trigger speed: 0.6 seconds
Flash range: 20 metres
Detection range: 20 metres
2″ colour screen

 

 

#256293 Browning Recon Force Elite HP5

A low-glow alternative to the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5. This camera is a good all-rounder and is suitable for fast-moving animals.

Image quality: 24 mp
Video quality: 1920 x 1080p
Video length: Max 2 minutes
Glow: Low glow
Trigger speed: 0.1-0.7 seconds
Recovery: 0.5 seconds
Flash range: 39 metres
Detection range: 30 metres
RADIANT 5 illumination technology

 

#246930 Spypoint Solar-Dark Trail Camera

A super fast, no-glow model, this trail camera features a solar panel providing users with an extended battery life.

Image quality: 12 mp
Video quality: 1280 x 720p
Video length: Max 2 minutes
Glow: No glow
Trigger speed: 0.07 seconds
Flash range: 27 metres
Detection range: up to 33.5m
2″ colour screen

 

 

 


Recommended Reading:

#222466 Camera Trapping for Wildlife Research  

Paperback | June 2016

A guide to the use of camera trapping for most common ecological applications to wildlife research.

 

 

#227479 CCTV for Wildlife Monitoring 

Paperback | June 2016

A handbook on the use of CCTV in nature watching, conservation and ecological research.