Why hedgehogs need a helping hand

Hedgehogs are one of Britain's most beloved garden visitors, yet their numbers have fallen sharply in recent decades. Intensive farming, tidy gardens, and busy roads have all taken their toll. A simple hedgehog house can make a real difference, offering a safe place to rest, hibernate, or raise young. Unlike many garden projects, this one is cheap, quick, and satisfying. You do not need to be a master carpenter. A few basic tools and an afternoon are enough.

Choosing the right spot in the garden

Position matters more than you might think. Hedgehogs are shy creatures, so pick a quiet corner away from footpaths, doors, and pet runs. The spot should be dry and well-drained. Avoid hollows where water collects. A slight slope or a raised base helps. Shelter from prevailing winds is wise, so tuck the house against a wall, fence, or dense hedge. Dappled shade is ideal, as full sun can overheat the box in summer. Leave a wild patch nearby with long grass and leaf litter. This gives hedgehogs natural cover and a ready supply of bedding. If you have a compost heap or a log pile, even better. These are hedgehog magnets. Finally, make sure the entrance faces away from the worst weather. In most UK gardens, that means facing east or south, but use your judgement.

Gathering materials and tools

Use untreated wood only. Pressure-treated timber, paint, varnish, and wood preservatives can be toxic to hedgehogs. Good options include exterior plywood, pine, or reclaimed timber that has not been treated. You will need:

• Wood: about 1.5 metres of 15mm thick board, plus a few offcuts for the tunnel
• Tools: saw, drill, screwdriver, tape measure, pencil
• Fixings: brass or stainless steel screws (about 30mm long). Avoid nails, which can rust and work loose
• Roof: a piece of slate, a tile, or heavy-duty plastic sheet. Avoid roofing felt, which can be chewed
• Optional: a length of 13cm diameter plastic pipe for the entrance tunnel, or you can build one from wood

Do not use creosote or any chemical sealant. If you want to weatherproof the wood, a coat of linseed oil on the outside is safe once fully dry, but it is not essential.

Building the hedgehog house step by step

The design is simple: a box with a tunnel entrance. The tunnel stops predators like badgers and foxes from reaching inside. Here is a straightforward method.

• Cut the panels. You need a base 30cm x 30cm, two sides 30cm x 20cm, a back 30cm x 20cm, and a front 30cm x 20cm with a 13cm x 13cm hole cut in one corner. Cut a roof 35cm x 35cm to give a good overhang. For the tunnel, cut two side pieces 20cm long x 13cm high and a top piece 20cm x 15cm.
• Assemble the box. Screw the sides to the base, then the back and front. Pre-drill holes to avoid splitting. Make sure the hole in the front lines up with where the tunnel will go.
• Attach the tunnel. Screw the tunnel sides to the front around the hole, then fix the tunnel top. The tunnel should stick out at least 15cm. This creates a dark, narrow passage.
• Add the roof. Do not screw the roof down permanently. You need to lift it for cleaning. Instead, use a couple of hooks and eyes, or simply weigh it down with a heavy slate or brick. The overhang keeps rain out.
• Check for sharp edges. Sand any rough sawn ends. Hedgehogs have delicate noses and feet.

If you prefer, you can buy a ready-made hedgehog house, but building your own is more rewarding and costs very little.

Making the house safe and inviting

Once built, place the house on a flat, firm surface. Raise it slightly on two bricks or a piece of timber to stop damp rising. Cover the roof with a waterproof layer, but leave the entrance clear. Add a handful of dry leaves inside. Do not use hay, which can go mouldy, or straw, which can poke eyes. Dry oak, beech, or hazel leaves are perfect. You can also add a small amount of pet-safe bedding, but natural leaves are best. Do not put food inside the house. It attracts rats and mice, and hedgehogs prefer to eat outside. Instead, place a shallow dish of water and some cat or dog food (not fish-based) near the entrance. Never give milk or bread. Finally, make sure the entrance tunnel is not blocked by vegetation. Keep a clear approach.

Caring for your hedgehog house through the year

Hedgehogs use houses for hibernation (November to March) and for daytime naps in summer. They may also raise a family in spring. Check the house only if you are sure it is empty. The best time to clean is late March or early April, after hibernation, and again in October before winter. Remove old bedding and replace with fresh dry leaves. If you find a hedgehog, leave it alone and put the bedding back gently. Do not disturb a nesting mother. Keep the area quiet. If you have a hedgehog visiting, you will know by the droppings (dark, shiny, and pointed) or by the snuffling sounds at night. A trail camera can be a joy. Above all, be patient. It may take a few months for a hedgehog to find your house. Once it does, you have a front-row seat to one of Britain's most charming country pursuits.