Hedgehog Shelter and Hibernation House

There has been a phenomenal decline in hedgehog numbers since the 1950s when there were around 36 million hedgehogs, to current estimates of less than 1 million.

The demise of lots of hedgehogs can be attributed to road traffic but additional factors are loss of habitat, poor hedgerow management, fragmentation of habitat caused by new roads, housing and other developments with climate change also a contributing factor.

A hedgehog needs to have sufficient fat reserves and weigh around 500g in order to survive hibernation. The normal body temperature of a hedgehog is between 30°C and 35°C, dropping to around 2°C during hibernation.

This well constructed, solid wood house with weatherproof roof, made from recycled plastic and mounted on bearers to keep it clear of the ground will provide a warm, dry shelter for a hedgehog and a great area for them to hibernate.

Ideal for small to medium gardens, it measures 42 x 34 x 24 cm with a 12cm square entrance.

The roof is hinged, providing easy access for cleaning and checking for signs of occupation. It also has a lock to prevent the wind lifting the lid and to keep the house secure from predators.