Habibat: Seamless, integrated boxes for new builds

Have you heard of Habibat? This range of bird and bat boxes was designed with the Bat Conservation Trust, RSPB and Swift Conservation to offer high-quality, bespoke and effective products which can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of new builds and refurbishment schemes. Because they're made in the UK, they work with standard British brick sizes, so no more having to work around awkward sizing from some of the European-made products.

Which materials can be used?

With any Habibat boxes, you get to choose exactly how you'd like them finished, whether its brick, block, stone, wood or rendered. When requesting a quotation, just let us know if you need:

Unfaced

Would you prefer to face the boxes yourself? No problem! Order the unfaced option and you can use your own brick slips, stone or render. This is a great option if you're tight on time, as they can usually be delivered in a shorter timeframe than the faced options. If you're ordering bat boxes, you'll just need to choose the colour of the 'entrance plinth' from either buff, red or blue brick.

Standard

Choose between red, blue or buff brick facing. If you're using a smooth colour brick around your site, they're may be no need to go for a bespoke option - just choose standard facing to save some time and the budget.

Bespoke

Request a quote and work with the Wildcare team to arrange for products to be delivered as per your desired finish, or finishes. We can either source materials direct from the manufacturer, or arrange for the brick or stone to be collected from site.

Are they fire rated?

Habibat wildlife boxes are manufactured from insulating concrete which is integrated into the fabric of the building and adhesive fixed brick slips are used to match in with surrounding brickwork. The adhesive used has excellent bonding properties, but is not fire rated. An alternative can be requested at an additional charge, which is classed as non-flammable but is not A-rated in accordance with EN13501-1. Currently, there are no alternative adhesives on the market.

When reviewing fire risk, do take into account the amount of adhesive used, the type of substrate used and the protection provided by sealing slips with mortar.

When can I expect the delivery?

As Habibat products are made to order, lead time depends on the type of box and quantity ordered. Unfaced boxes will generally be 1-2 weeks, and around 30 days for standard or bespoke boxes, once the facing material as been received. This is subject to change, so please do ask us for current lead times with your quotation.

All deliveries will arrive palletised, regardless of quantity. The boxes are hollow, and therefore prone to damage if handled carelessly. You will be notified by our sales team of when to expect the delivery, as someone must be present to receive the consignment.

How do I install them?

Installing is as simple as integrating into the brickwork as you work up the wall. Your ecologist on site will usually recommend where all your wildlife measures should be placed on site, but if not we recommend following the guidance for each species.

For bats:

• 3-4 metres high
• South or Westerly orientation so it receives direct sun during the day, or afternoon
• clear of vegetation and other features (such as windows), to ensure they have a clear entry/exit path and minimise the risk of predation

For swifts:

• Under the eaves, or 5-7m high
• clear of vegetation and other features (such as windows), to ensure they have a clear entry/exit path and minimise the risk of predation
• group several nests together - swifts like to nest in colonies
• oriented away from harsh sunlight or prevailing winds

For other bird species:

Such as sparrows, blue tits and great tits.

• 2-3 metres high
• clear of vegetation, to minimise the risk of predation
• oriented away from harsh sunlight or prevailing winds
• sheltered location with low footfall and disturbance

---

Habibat Products

You can view the full range on our website, or take a look at some of our favourite products::

---

Have any more questions? Contact our expert sales team on 01451 833181, or email [email protected] for advice, quotations and recommendations