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]
Instructions
Building your hedgehog house
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.
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.
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.
Purchase a wooden house
Alternatively, our RSPCA store offers hedgehog houses.
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.
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.