The question is.........

I discovered this blindingly obvious bat-box a few months ago. It's so obvious I couldn't find it again. If there are residents they are dormant as there's a spider web across the entrance. The spider would get a nasty surprise if he tried to grab one of the bats.

The idea appears to be that the bats fly onto the ridged surface, crawl upwards into the enclosed dark space then hang around until it gets dark again. Which begs the question - how do they know it's suitable accommodation? No signs, no indication.

We have a small colony of bats which hammer around here on summer evenings, is there a special location that might tempt them to use such a box if we put one on the shed?

Answers care of bat conservation society - Putting up your box

Boxes are more likely to be used if they are located where bats are known to feed. Ideally, several boxes should be put up facing in different directions to provide a range of conditions. Boxes should be put as high as possible in sheltered sunny places. On buildings, boxes should be placed as close to the eaves as possible.Some bats use a tree line or hedgerow for navigation. Putting boxes near these features may help the bats find the box.

Locate boxes:

? Where bats are known to feed close to hedges and tree lines

? At least 4 or 5m above the ground

? Sheltered from strong winds and exposed to the sun for part of the day (usually south or south-west)

Bats need time to find and explore new homes, and it may be several years before boxes have residents - be patient! Droppings on the landing area, urine stains around the lower parts of the box and chittering noises from inside on warm afternoons and evenings are signs of occupation.