The UK hedgehog population has declined by over 50% since 2000, making garden hedgehog houses more important than ever. A well-placed hedgehog house provides a safe nesting site for breeding, shelter from predators, and a hibernation spot for winter. Here are the best options available in the UK for 2026.
- Quick Comparison
- 1. Gardenature Hedgehog House — Best Overall
- 2. Wildlife World Hogilo
- 3. Chapelwood Hedgehog House
- 4. Simon King Predator-Proof House
- 5. DIY Hedgehog House — Best Budget
- Where and How to Place a Hedgehog House
- Hedgehog Highways
- Frequently Asked Questions
- •When should I put out a hedgehog house?
- •Should I clean a hedgehog house?
- •What should I feed hedgehogs?
- Related Reading
- • 📚 Related Reading
Quick Comparison
| House | Material | Predator-Proof | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardenature Hedgehog House | FSC-certified wood | ★★★★★ (tunnel entrance) | £35–£45 |
| Wildlife World Hogilo | Recycled plastic + wood | ★★★★☆ | £25–£35 |
| Chapelwood Hedgehog House | Solid wood | ★★★★☆ | £20–£30 |
| Simon King Predator-Proof House | Wood + steel mesh | ★★★★★ | £40–£55 |
| DIY (plastic storage box) | Plastic + logs | ★★★☆☆ | £5–£10 |
1. Gardenature Hedgehog House — Best Overall
The Gardenature house is designed with hedgehog ecology in mind. It features a dedicated tunnel entrance that prevents foxes, cats, and badgers from accessing the nesting chamber. Made from FSC-certified sustainably sourced timber with a removable roof for annual cleaning. The internal chamber is the ideal size for nesting and hibernation. At £35–£45, it is the most popular choice among UK wildlife charities. Available from Amazon UK and Gardenature directly.
2. Wildlife World Hogilo
An attractive igloo-shaped house made from recycled plastic panels with a wooden entrance tunnel. The plastic construction means it won’t rot, even in the wettest UK gardens. Easy to assemble without tools. The design has been endorsed by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. At £25–£35, it balances durability with affordability.
3. Chapelwood Hedgehog House
A simple, solid wooden house with a sloped rain-shedding roof and a protective entrance. No frills, but well-made from thick timber that will last several years. At £20–£30, it is the most affordable commercially manufactured option. Available from garden centres and Argos.
4. Simon King Predator-Proof House
Designed by the wildlife presenter, this house features steel mesh reinforcement around the entrance to prevent badger break-ins — the main predator threat to nesting hedgehogs. The heavy-duty construction and thoughtful design make it the safest option for gardens with known badger activity. At £40–£55, it is the premium choice.
5. DIY Hedgehog House — Best Budget
A large upturned plastic storage box with a 13 × 13 cm entrance cut in one side makes an effective hedgehog house. Cover with leaves, branches, and soil for insulation and camouflage. Place a brick on top to prevent it blowing away. Total cost: £5–£10. While not as attractive as purpose-built houses, hedgehogs use them readily.
Where and How to Place a Hedgehog House
- Position: In a quiet corner of the garden, against a fence or wall, facing away from prevailing wind and rain (usually north/northeast-facing entrance)
- Cover: Pile leaves, logs, and brush over and around the house for camouflage and insulation
- Substrate: Place dry leaves inside the chamber as initial bedding — the hedgehog will rearrange it
- Height: Ground level, stable and level — never elevated
- Access: Ensure there are hedgehog highways (13 × 13 cm gaps) in garden fences so hedgehogs can reach the house
Hedgehog Highways
A hedgehog house is useless if hedgehogs cannot reach it. Hedgehogs roam 1–2 km per night and need connected pathways through gardens. Cut or drill a 13 × 13 cm (5 × 5 inch) hole at the base of fences or gates to create hedgehog highways. Coordinate with neighbours — a connected chain of gardens is far more valuable than a single isolated garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I put out a hedgehog house?
Ideally before October to give hedgehogs time to find and investigate it before hibernation (November–March). However, hedgehog houses are used year-round — for daytime nesting in summer and hibernation in winter. Once placed, leave undisturbed until spring.
Should I clean a hedgehog house?
Clean once a year in April when hedgehogs have emerged from hibernation. Remove old bedding, check for parasites, and replace with fresh dry leaves. Never disturb a hedgehog house between November and March — you may wake a hibernating hedgehog.
What should I feed hedgehogs?
Meat-based cat or dog food (not fish flavour), cat biscuits, or specialist hedgehog food. Never give milk (lactose intolerance) or bread (no nutritional value). Leave fresh water out nightly.
