By providing safe places for hedgehogs to live, you’re much more likely to see these prickly creatures in your garden.

Hedgehogs need homes just like humans, so making one for them is a great way to encourage them into your garden.

So, whether you live in town or country, you can help to look after garden wildlife like hedgehogs by providing food, water and shelter.

You will need:

Build a hedgehog house kit list illustrations

Hammer and nails

2 metal hinges

Soil

Straw or dry leaves

Polythene sheeting

20mm untreated FSC plywood boards (birch is ideal!) cut to the sizes shown

A quiet, shady spot

Access to your garden for hedgehogs

How to build your hedgehog house:

Build a hedgehog house tunnel dimensions illustration

Step 1Cut your timber to the dimensions shown. Assemble the tunnel and main chamber separately; attaching the feet and the hinge flap before putting the box together will make things a little easier. Don't be tempted to skip the tunnel – it means that predators won't be able to swipe their paws inside! The tunnel will be slightly shorter than the height of the opening so that it can be slotted in at an angle, making a ramp. You can also drill a hole that will fit a hosepipe into the back of the box to add some extra ventilation.

Step 2Pick a shady, quiet spot to put your assembled hedgehog house. Lift the lid off the house, and put the dry leaves inside.

Step 3Cover with polythene sheeting (making sure it's still accessible for cleaning later on), and pack soil and dead leaves around the outside, leaving the entrance and air pipe free of debris.

Remember:

Clear out the hedgehog house once a year (late March to early April) to prevent the build-up of pests. Do not clean it out if a hedgehog is in residence though!

Making a log pile or compost heap are also good options for providing space for hedgehogs to nest, and have the added bonus of attracting lots of insects for them to eat!