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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
- Close
- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
- Close
- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
- Close
- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
- Close
- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // My garden // How to build a hedgehog house

How to build a hedgehog house

Hedgehogs make hibernation nests in winter called ‘hibernacula’ – these can be under hedgerows, fallen logs or in areas of scrub like bramble. They are durable, insulated and help maintain humidity to prevent dehydration for the sleeping ‘hog. They also make simpler day time nests for resting, sleeping, breeding and rearing young in over summer.

Your garden can provide lots of great nesting spots – under your shed, in compost heaps, shrubs, under leaf piles or under logs or spare building materials. But, sometimes hedgehogs need a helping hand. You can buy pre-built hedgehog houses online or in stores, or have a go at making your own — homemade houses tend to be more popular with our prickly visitors.

The simple DIY Hedgehog House

Take a spare plastic storage box, planter or milk crate (make sure it has holes) and flip it upside down.
Make an entrance that’s 13cm x 13cm and provide some bedding like dry leaves or pet straw.
You can cover the rest of the box with some plastic sheeting and then cover with leaves/soil/grass cuttings.

For building your own wooden ‘hog house from scratch, follow our more detailed instructions.

hedgehog house stacy michaelis — You can get creative with your hedgehog house! (Left: Stacy Michaelis, right: Ray Allott).

Hedgehog-house-by-Ray-Allott — You can get creative with your hedgehog house! (Left: Stacy Michaelis, right: Ray Allott).

Top tips

Any straw or dry leaves left outside will likely be taken in and used for bedding.
Houses are best placed in sheltered locations, along boundaries, in back gardens and within 5m of the house. The presence of pets or predators doesn’t appear to put off a local hedgehog from moving in.
Avoid putting food or water inside the house as this can disturb the hedgehog. Instead, place a little away from the house.
Place a twig over the entrance. If it’s moved you know someone is visiting your ‘hog house.
It’s best to clean the house in March/April when the hedgehogs have finished hibernating and left. But please make sure it’s before the breeding season as disturbing a mother can cause her to abandon her hoglets.

Click image to download instructions:

Watch video instructions

Show us your creation!

Take a photo of your hedgehog house and submit it below, or post on social media and inspire others to do the same!

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