Ten Awesome Tips On Hedgehog Houses From Unlikely Websites

Shelter is often overlooked. Many UK bee species are solitary rather than hive-dwelling, and a patch of bare, undisturbed soil in a sunny spot can serve as nesting ground for mining bees, while hollow stems and drilled wood blocks suit species that nest above ground. Choosing biological pest control over chemical sprays around flowering borders also helps protect the insects visiting them.

Feeding is straightforward but worth getting right. Meaty cat or dog food, or a specialist hedgehog food, is a better choice than bread and milk, which can cause digestive upset. A shallow dish of fresh water left out overnight is just as useful as food, particularly during dry spells in summer.

Native hedging is a strong starting point. Hawthorn and holly, for example, provide dense shelter and nesting sites through spring and summer, then carry berries into autumn and winter when other food is scarce. Nectar-rich perennials planted alongside give pollinators a working food source through the growing season rather than a single short burst.

Hedgehogs typically hibernate through the coldest months, often in piles of leaves, log stacks, or purpose-built shelters tucked into a quiet corner. Anything resembling a bonfire pile should always be checked carefully before lighting, since it can look like an ideal hibernation spot to a hedgehog settling in for winter.

Flower choice makes a real difference. Single-flowered varieties expose their pollen and nectar openly, whereas heavily double-petalled blooms often hide or lack it altogether. Planting in drifts rather than single specimens also helps, since it gives foraging insects a more efficient source to work through.

Placement decides whether the house gets used at all. A fixed position at around waist to head height, facing south or south-east to catch the morning sun, GardenWildlife and sheltered from driving rain and strong wind, gives insects the stable conditions they need. Once occupied, the house is best left undisturbed through the nesting and overwintering period.