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Make a home for hedgehogs

Use bricks or other items to create a safe and comfortable space for hedgehogs to rest.

Last edited: 24/10/2024

Before you get started

Why this is important

We need to find ways to co-exist with wildlife. Hedgehogs may roam around your local community but can struggle to find a safe place to hibernate. By offering a space in your garden or community area, you can provide them with a safe spot to care for their young and hibernate.

Supporting documents

Duke of Edinburgh Worksheet [3 hours]

A close up image of a hedgehog resting in leaves.

Instructions

Building your hedgehog house

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Items you may need

There are many ways to create a cozy home for hedgehogs.

In the wild, they build nests from fallen leaves, but you can create something a bit more permanent if desirable.

A young child placing twigs on top of piled bricks in a garden, with a stuffed animal placed at the side.
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Make a leaf house

Rake leaves into a pile in your garden and leave it for hedgehogs (and other wildlife) to use as a home.

A pile of orange leaves on the ground with a rake laying on top.
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Build a brick house

Remove some garden soil to create a level base. Lay a single set of bricks on the ground to form an outline for the chamber and tunnel.

Make your hedgehog house base around 40cm by 30cm, with a tunnel about 13cm wide to keep predators out.

Add two more layers of bricks, overlapping them for stronger walls.

Find a roof for your house, such as an unused slab, and give it a wobble test to make sure it’s sturdy.

Multiple orange bricks on the ground, with a concrete slab on top, surrounded by soil.
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Purchase a wooden house

Alternatively, our RSPCA store offers hedgehog houses.

A professionally made hedgehouse hog for sale in the RSPCA store.
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Maintenance

Place any food away from the hedgehog house, as they prefer to sleep away from where they eat.

Clean the house in October—after hoglets have left and before hibernation begins.

To check if a hedgehog is using the house, place a lightweight item like a twig at the entrance. If the twig has moved, the house is occupied, and it’s best to leave it undisturbed.

A close up image of stacked bricks on the ground to form an entrance. A stick is leaning in the entrance to form a barrier.

celebrate your achievement

Be part of a million-strong movement for animals!

Log in or sign up to share how you've helped hedgehogs by sending us your work. Your contribution will inspire others to join our million-strong movement for animal welfare. You’ll receive an Animal Environment Certificate to celebrate your part in this shared movement to create a better world for animals.