How to choose – Hoopoe – A blog by nhbs

Bat Box Basics: A Guide

Whether you are planning a construction project, are in the middle of a new–build 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

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:

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:

1FR Schwegler Bat Tube

#178018

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 roost 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 roosting 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.

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 wood–concrete 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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

NHBS Guide to Newt Survey Equipment

Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) – CC Leonora (Ellie) Enking via Flickr

Great Crested Newts are the UK’s most strictly protected amphibian, requiring licensed ecological surveys if a development may affect them. As the first signs of spring emerge, ecologists are preparing for the start of this year’s newt survey season. Below, we have compiled a list of the most common newt survey methods and the equipment needed for each, so that you can ensure you have everything you need as the survey season approaches.

Netting

Netting for adult and larval newts can be a useful tool in both survey and relocation. Here at NHBS, we have designed an amphibian net specifically for the safe and efficient capture of newts. The net bag is attached by a wide velcro collar which prevents newts from becoming caught between the frame and the bag. The bag can also be removed from the frame to be disinfected between sites. The seams have been carefully placed so that they do not come into contact with the front edge of the net, and the material of the bag is a soft 2mm mesh. The net head is 300mm wide and comes with a sturdy, wooden 1.2m handle. We also sell a diamond-shaped amphibian net that comes in either standard depth or deep. Its shape is ideal for easy and safe capture for amphibians and is also available in a collapsible frame for easy transport between sites.

Dewsbury Trapping

The Dewsbury trap is an innovative design of newt refuge trap that is exclusive to NHBS. The clever design of this trap ensures that any trapped newts have access to both fresh air at the top of the trap and a thermally stable refuge at the bottom of the pond. They can be easily deployed from the edge of the pond meaning that not only is this trap safer for newts, but it is also safer and more convenient for surveyors too. In preliminary trials the Dewsbury trap was found to be more effective at catching newts than traditional bottle trapping methods and can be left unattended for up to 24 hours meaning night visits are not necessarily required.

Please note: we recommend that you contact your national licensing authority (Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, etc) before you purchase this trap. The Dewsbury Newt Trap is not included within either the Level 1 or Level 2 Natural England Class Survey Licence and a separate licence is required

Bottle Trapping

Bottle trapping is a popular method of surveying for both detecting and assessing populations. It can, however, become quite labour intensive, especially if you are looking to cut bottles into traps yourself. To save yourself some valuable time, we sell pre-cut bottle traps with the head inverted and ready to deploy. These can be bought in packs of 40 or 120 and are cut from 2L PET bottles with a 28mm neck diameter. Alternatively, we sell the whole bottles if you would rather cut the traps yourself.

Torching

Torching is a less invasive and effective method of counting/observing newts without the need for capturing them. Torches are recommended to be between 500,000 and one million candlepower and need to ideally last several hours at a time. The Cluson CB2 range is very popular among ecologists and provides 1 million candlepower with long lasting battery life and an easy-to-use pistol type grip.

Drift Fencing

Fencing can either be used to temporarily exclude or contain newts in mitigation projects. It can also be used to aid the capture of newts for relocation and is typically a short barrier with the base buried underground. Our Tristar Newt Fencing comes in rolls of 100m, is made of UV stabilised polythene sheeting and tinted green. It is designed to resist weather damage and has a life expectancy of 5 years, making it ideal for temporary mitigation projects during development works. It is easy and simple to put up and can be fixed into place with our soft wood stakes.

Pitfall Traps

Often, pitfall traps are used alongside drift fencing in order to trap and translocate newts in relocation projects. They consist of a container that is buried underground often flush with the edge of drift fencing. Both rectangular buckets and round buckets have been shown to be effective and we supply several options depending on your preferences.

Recommended Accessories


Light & Dry Micro First Aid Kit	Bamboo Canes

dialMax Vernier Dial Caliper	Snowbee Granite PVC Thigh Waders

Snowbee Lightweight Neoprene Gloves	Replacement Amphibian Net Bag

Broad Spectrum Disinfectant Tablets	Breaksafe Thermometer

A note on licensing

Please note that Great Crested Newts and its habitat are protected by law. Any Great Crested Newt survey work must be undertaken by a licensed ecologist. Different levels of license are required for different survey and mitigation methods. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/great-crested-newt-licences#great-crested-newt-survey-and-research-licences

Top 10 Bird Boxes for Walls and Fences

Welcome to the second in a series of three posts designed to help you choose the best bird box for your garden or other outdoor space.

This article includes a list of our top 10 bird boxes for positioning on a wall or fence. The first and third posts cover the best options for installing on a tree in a garden, park or woodland and for building into a new build or development.

For each box we have provided a quick guide to the material that it is made from, the dimensions, and the species that the box is suitable for. Follow the links provided for more information about the box, including pricing and availability, or contact our customer services team for more advice.

1. NHBS Wooden Bird Nest Box

• Made from: Softwood (FSC)
• Dimensions: 245 x 135 x 185mm
• Suitable for: Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Marsh Tits, Crested Tits

2. Vivara Pro WoodStone House Sparrow Nest Box (Double Chamber)

• Made from: Woodstone
• Dimensions: 160 x 290 x 210mm
• Suitable for: House Sparrows, Redstart, Spotted Flycatchers

3. Dual Chamber Sparrow Terrace

• Made from: Woodstone
• Dimensions: 360 x 220 x 180mm
• Suitable for: House Sparrows

4. Vivara Pro WoodStone Swift Nest Box

• Made from: Woodstone
• Dimensions: 245 x 380 x 265mm
• Suitable for: Swifts

5. House Martin Nests (Double Entrance)

• Made from: Woodstone and plywood
• Dimensions: 115 x 160 x 380mm
• Suitable for: House Martins

6. FSC Wooden Swift Box

• Made from: Softwood (FSC)
• Dimensions: 210 x 430 x 210mm
• Suitable for: Swifts

7. Eco Barn Owl Nest Box

• Made from: Recycled plastic and FSC timber
• Dimensions: 670 x 660 x 530mm
• Suitable for: Barn Owls

8. Ceramic Swallow Bowl

• Made from: Ceramic and FSC timber
• Dimensions: 125 x 202 x 125mm
• Suitable for: Swallows

9. Eco Small Bird Box

• Made from: Recycled plastic and FSC oriented strand board
• Dimensions: 260 x 170 x 170mm
• Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Marsh Tits, Great Tits, Crested Tits, Tree Sparrows, House Sparrows, Nuthatches and Pied Flycatchers (species depend on entrance hole size).

10. Vivara Pro Seville 32mm WoodStone Nest Box

• Made from: Woodstone
• Dimensions: 310 x 200 x 200mm
• Suitable for: Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Marsh Tits, Crested Tits, Redstart, Nuthatches, Pied Flycatchers, House Sparrows, Tree Sparrows

Browse our full range of nest boxes for external walls and fences.

The full range of nest boxes can be found in our online shop, as well as a useful nest box price list which can be downloaded as a pdf.

Top 10 Bird Boxes for New Builds and Developments

This is the final post in a three part series, designed to help you choose from our bestselling bird boxes. All of the boxes listed below are suitable for building into the masonry of a new build or development.

The previous two posts provide suggestions of boxes suitable for positioning on a tree in a garden, park or woodland, and for siting on a wall or fence.

For each box we have provided a quick guide to the material that it is made from, the box dimensions and the species that it is suitable for. Follow the links provided for full descriptions, pricing and availability, or contact our customer services team to chat about finding the box that’s right for your needs.

Schwegler 1SP Sparrow Terrace

• Made from: Woodcrete
• Dimensions: 245 x 430 x 200mm
• Suitable for: House Sparrows, Tree Sparrows

Vivara Pro WoodStone House Sparrow Nest Box (Double Chamber)

• Made from: WoodStone
• Dimensions: 160 x 290 x 210mm
• Suitable for: House Sparrows, Tree Sparrows

Dual Chamber Sparrow Terrace

• Made from: Wood-concrete
• Dimensions: 260 x 220 x 180mm
• Suitable for: House Sparrows

PRO UK Rendered Build-in Swift Box

• Made from: WoodStone
• Dimensions: 140 x 440 x 150mm
• Suitable for: Swifts

Manthorpe Swift Brick

• Made from: PVC and polypropylene
• Dimensions: 347 x 200 x 153mm
• Suitable for: Swifts

Woodstone Build-in Open Nest Box

• Made from: Woodstone
• Dimensions: 180 x 220 x 180mm
• Suitable for: Robins, wagtails and black redstarts

Woodstone Build-in Swift Nest Box Deep

• Made from: WoodStone
• Dimensions: 180 x 420 x 155mm
• Suitable for: Swifts

Schwegler Brick Nest Box: Type 24

• Made from: Woodcrete
• Dimensions: 235 x 180 x 180mm
• Suitable for: Great Tits, Blue Tits, Marsh Tits, Coal Tits, Crested Tits, Redstart, Nuthatches, Tree Sparrows and House Sparrows

Orlando Swift Box

• Made from: Wood concrete
• Dimensions: 350 x 220 x 180mm
• Suitable for: Swifts, House Sparrows, Starlings

Starling Box – Smooth Brick

• Made from: Concrete and brick
• Dimensions: 215 x 215 x 150mm
• Suitable for: Starlings, Tree Sparrows, Blue Tits, and Great Tits

Browse our full range of build-in nest boxes.

The full range of nest boxes can be found in our online shop, as well as a useful nest box price list which can be downloaded as a pdf.

Top 10 Bird Boxes for Trees and Woodland

So, you have the perfect space in mind for a bird box but don’t know which one to buy? No problem – this is the first in a series of three posts designed to help you make the right choice.

This article includes a list of our top 10 bird boxes for positioning on a tree in a garden, park or woodland. The following two articles will cover the best bird boxes for positioning on a wall or fence and for building into a new build or development.

For each box we have provided a quick guide to the material that it is made from, the dimensions of the box and the species that it is suitable for. Follow the links for more information about each item, or contact us to speak to one of our customer services advisors who can provide you with help in choosing the right product.

1. Schwegler 1B Nest Box

• Made from: Woodcrete
• Dimensions: 230 x 160 x 160mm
• Suitable for: Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Marsh Tits, Crested Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches, Tree Sparrows, House Sparrows, Redstart (species depend on entrance size and shape).

2. NHBS Wooden Bird Nest Box

• Made from: Softwood (FSC)
• Dimensions: 245 x 135 x 185mm
• Suitable for: Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Marsh Tits, Crested Tits (species depend on entrance size).

3. Vivara Pro Barcelona WoodStone Open Nest Box

• Made from: Woodstone
• Dimensions: 240 x 190 x 175mm
• Suitable for: Wrens, Robins, Spotted Flycatchers, Pied and Grey Wagtails, Song Thrushes and Blackbirds.

4. Brecon FSC Nest Box

• Made from: Wood (FSC)
• Dimensions: 200 x 160 x 270mm
• Suitable for: Great tits, House Sparrows and Nuthatches.

5. Treecreeper FSC Nest Box

• Made from: Softwood (FSC)
• Dimensions: 130 x 350 x 125mm
• Suitable for: Treecreepers.

6. Small Bird Nest Box

• Made from: Plywood
• Dimensions: 300 x 130 x 150mm
• Suitable for: Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Marsh Tits, Treecreepers, Tree Sparrows, Great Tits, Crested Tits, Nuthatches and Pied Flycatchers (species depends on entrance size).

7. Schwegler 3S Starling Nest Box

• Made from: Woodcrete
• Dimensions: 280 x 190 x 200mm
• Suitable for: Starlings and overnight shelter for Woodpeckers.

8. Starling Nest Box

• Made from: Exterior grade plywood
• Dimensions: 510 x 160 x 180mm
• Suitable for: Starlings.

9. 2GR Schwegler Nest Box

• Made from: Woodcrete
• Dimensions: 510 x 160 x 180mm
• Suitable for: Nuthatches, Redstart, Tree Sparrows, House Sparrows, Pied Flycatchers, Blue Tits, Marsh Tits, Great Tits (species depends on entrance size).

10. Blackbird FSC Nest Box

• Made from: Softwood (FSC)
• Dimensions: 185 x 250 x 215mm
• Suitable for: Tree Sparrows, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Crested Tits, Pied Flycatchers.

Browse our full range of nest boxes for trees and woodland.

The full range of NHBS bird boxes can be found in our online shop, as well as a useful nest box price list which can be downloaded as a pdf.

Why a trail camera makes the perfect gift this Christmas

Badger image taken with the Browning Spec Ops Elite HP5

Choosing the right gift for friends and loved ones can be a tricky affair, but for any keen wildlife watcher, and particularly one with a fondness for photography, a trail camera could be the perfect option. Here’s just a few reasons why we’re fans:

1. Catch a glimpse of wildlife that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see
An obvious one perhaps, but trail cameras give you a wonderful opportunity to see and capture footage of all sorts of wildlife, particularly species that are easily startled or those that are active at times when we’d prefer not to be out and about (such as in the middle of the night) – a trail camera will allow you to observe the hidden lives all around you. The video below, recorded with the Browning Recon Force Elite HP5, is a wonderful example of what you can achieve right outside your back door.

2. See what animals are up to at times when you wouldn’t usually be watching
A perfect example of this is observing nocturnal animals. While the hardiest wildlife watcher might not be averse to wandering the fields and woods in the middle of the night equipped with the latest night vision gear, most of us would prefer to be tucked up in our beds. Trail cameras, with their night vision technology, can take images and videos of all the action so you can view it later at a time that’s more convenient. The video below shows a young fox passing through at night, recorded using a Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 by Two J’s Wildlife Camera Set in Cornwall.

3. View behaviours and interactions that are usually unseen
While nothing beats an in-person encounter with a wild animal, such experiences are often brief and offer us limited insight into their life. Trail cameras, particularly those equipped with no-glow night vision technology (which means there is no tell-tale red flash when they take a photograph), are inconspicuous and will record footage for as long as there is movement within their capture range. This means that they are great for letting us experience a much broader range of behaviours and interactions. The video of the squabbling squirrels below was recorded by Two J’s Wildlife Camera Set in Cornwall.

4. Create stunning time-lapse videos
Almost all trail cameras can be programmed to capture images at a time interval of your choice, regardless of whether there is any movement detected. Using this function makes it possible to capture the subtle and gradual changes in the environment that would be difficult to observe in real time. Similarly, they can also be used to record behaviours that take place over longer periods, allowing you to view them at an accelerated speed.

A wren sitting on a branch in scrub. — A Wren photographed using the Browning Strike Force Pro X 1080

5. Share your findings with others
Whether you’re conducting research or simply want to know what’s happening in your back garden, the images and videos from a trail camera are perfect for sharing your findings with friends, family and colleagues. The quality of the photos/videos can be impressive, particularly when using models with high resolution lenses.

Browse the full range of cameras available from NHBS at nhbs.com.

For more advice about choosing a camera to suit your needs and budget, why not take a look at our Trail Camera Buyer’s Guide or contact us to chat with one of our experienced Wildlife Equipment Specialists.