Hedgehogs are a gardener's best friend, but their numbers are dwindling. Learn how to build a hedgehog house and create a welcoming environment for these helpful creatures in your garden. Our guide provides essential tips for building a safe and effective hedgehog home.
Creating a Warm Winter Home for Hedgehogs
Building a safe and warm home requires the correct tools and equipment.
- To assemble the structure, you'll need a hammer, nails, metal hinges, sustainable untreated birch plywood, and polythene for weatherproofing. .
- For the next steps, you'll need dry leaves and a shaded garden area.
- Allow hedgehog access via a fence hole, open gate, or other boundary gap.
Building Your Hedgehog Home: Step-by-Step Assembly
- Cut the wood to create the following components: three side panels, a lid, a base, a small tunnel piece, and a front panel featuring an opening for the tunnel attachment.
- First, construct the tunnel. Next, assemble the sides and secure them to the base. Then, attach the lid using two hinges. Ensure the tunnel's dimensions are suitable for a hedgehog, providing ample space while preventing predator access.
- Raising the house with feet can be advantageous; if you do, ensure the tunnel slopes upward for easy access.
Installing Your Hedgehog Home
Position the hedgehog home in a shaded, sheltered garden location. Once securely installed, add dry leaves through the lid and cover the structure with polythene sheeting. For added insulation, pile leaves over the top. Remember to allow for spring cleaning access, but avoid disturbing the home if it is occupied by a hedgehog.
Providing Hedgehog Homes
Hedgehog homes can be obtained in various forms, including pre-made purchases, build-it-yourself kits, or simple natural piles of leaves and logs.
We're happy to offer advice at our garden centre in St Albans to help you build your hedgehog home.
