Building Bat Boxes with the National Trust
June 20, 2025
Turnstyle Designs The Interior Designers Architects Furniture Makers Artisans Choice
Building Bat Boxes with the National Trust
Based in the scenic area of Peppercombe, North Devon, just a 20 minute drive from our Turnstyle Designs factory, two members of Team TD joined the National Trust volunteer group for another action-packed day of conservation work for the North Devon area.
Following the storms that hit the area last year, protecting the local bat population has become a priority. Harsh weather can significantly disrupt bats foraging, roosting, and breeding behaviours. In response to this the National Trust group, run by Ranger Greg Wilson and Volunteer Manager Sophie McCormick, organised a workshop to build bat boxes, with plans to install the finished boxes throughout the Peppercombe area.
TASKS FOR THE DAY
With tools in hand, the group got to work, following detailed instructions and a pre-made example created by Gregg. As volunteer group is regularly attended, some members took on additional tasks for the day, such as a beach clean at Peppercombe Beach and repairing gate posts along public access paths. Equally as important for maintaining the local area and Southwest coastal path routes.
Representing Turnstyle Designs this time were Oscar, our Managing Director, and Jacob from our Assembly Team. Not shy when it comes to woodwork and tooling, both swiftly got to work cutting timber planks, generously donated to the trust by a local yard, into sections for the bat boxes.
Bat boxes are typically cubic or rectangular, with a narrow entrance and a rough interior to allow bats to cling easily. Placement of the finished boxes are key though. Ideal locations are those that get warmth and sunlight during the summer but stay cool enough in winter for habitation.
The UK is home to 18 species of bat, 17 of which breed here. Most species, excluding the Horseshoe bat, will use this type of box for shelter or breeding. While some UK bat populations are beginning to recover, others remain under threat, making efforts like these by the National Trust groups crucial for supporting their numbers.
"We had a fantastic morning with the National Trust, everything was very well organised. It highlighted not only the important work carried out by volunteers, most of whom do this regularly, but also the opportunity for communities to come together and interact in ways they otherwise might not. Very much looking forward to my next chance to get involved."
The day’s activities were based at the Coach House, a beautiful old stone building nestled beside a gently flowing stream that winds its way to the sea. Inside, visitors can see a stunning mural painted by a former volunteer and a picturesque open window offering a view into the surrounding trees.
GET INVOLVED
If you would like to get involved in the some of the National Trust volunteer days, visit their website here:
