How to keep your hedgehog nest box safe this autumn

With our wet and windy weather, it again highlights how important it is that, if you have a hedgehog nest box, it is safe. Here is what we'd like you to check.

A safe nest box is:

• An adequate size. You should be able to fit three family-sized loaves of bread side by side in the bed area.
• Heavy enough not to be blown away or knocked over by a predator.
• Made of thick wood and not wicker, as hedgehog spines can become trapped in wicker.
• Waterproof, which means thick wood with a felted roof that has an overhang.
• Fitted with a base and set on feet to lift it off the wet ground or soil.
• Fitted with some ventilation holes and a tunnel entrance.

Where to put it

• Hedgehog houses need to be in an area that is shady 365 days a year. Houses can heat up fast even with a little sun on them.
• Place it in a quiet, secluded area.
• Choose a sheltered spot out of the wind.
• Place it on a paving slab for extra protection.

A couple of other tips

• If you want to paint the hedgehog house, please only use water-based paint and do not paint the inside.
• Once the house is in place, avoid checking it. This can cause the hedgehog to abandon the nest as it won't feel safe.

You can find more information on buying a house at hedgehogcabin.info/buying-a-house.