Description
Bats hunt over our fields, hedgerows and ponds every evening. On September’s bat walk, we heard pipistrelles, noctules and Daubenton’s bats. But across the country, bats are losing the places they roost, as old buildings are sealed up and mature trees come down. A well-made bat box gives them a safe, sheltered alternative.
On Saturday 7th November, we’re inviting you to come and build one.
What happens on the day
The session is led by Andrew Clark, the farm’s ecological advisor, and Brian Thomas of the Merseyside & West Lancashire Bat Group. It starts with a short presentation about the bats that live around us, and where to put a bat box so it has the best chance of being used.
Then you’ll build your own. Every part of the kit is already marked out and cut, so there’s no measuring and minimal sawing. Andrew, Brian and other farm volunteers will guide you through the assembly and help wherever you need it. Basic tools are provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own.
You’ll take your finished box home to put up. Or, if you’d prefer, you can donate it to the farm, and we’ll install it here, where we know bats are active.
Why November?
Bats are settling into hibernation now. A box put up over the winter has time to weather and lose its new-timber smell before bats become active again in spring.
Who it’s for
The day is for adults, and for children working alongside an adult. Places are limited to one per family, so as many households as possible can take part. Each place includes one bat box kit.
Where your money goes
The £10 fee covers materials. Whatever is left is shared between Burscough Community Farm and the Merseyside & West Lancashire Bat Group, so your place also supports local bat conservation.
Event details
Date: Saturday 7th November 2026
Time: 11:00–13:00
Location: Burscough Community Farm, Meadow Lane, Burscough, L40 4BB
Price: £10 per place, including your bat box kit
Places: 12, one per family
What to bring: clothing suitable for the weather, and your own tools if you’d like
Refreshments: available for a donation
Weather: if it’s wet, we’ll move into one of our polytunnels
Cancellations
We’ll give you a full refund if you let us know more than 48 hours before the event.
