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.

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.

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.

🔄Last Updated: 20 March 2026•Originally published: 8 June 2020

🦔 Wildlife — The Complete UK Wildlife Guide 2026

Q: 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.

Britain’s gardens are a critical wildlife habitat, supporting hedgehogs, foxes, nesting birds, bees, and more. With hedgehog numbers declining by 50% since 2000 and many species under pressure from habitat loss, your garden can make a real difference. Our wildlife guides show you how.

<1m

UK hedgehogs left

-50%

Since 2000

15m+

UK gardens

246

UK bird species

Our wildlife content is researched with reference to the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Hedgehog Street, and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.