Where to Place a Hedgehog House in Your Garden

So you’ve got a hedgehog house — brilliant! Now comes the important part: finding the right spot so a real hedgehog decides to move in. A well-placed house can make all the difference between an empty box and a cosy winter retreat for one of Ireland’s favourite garden visitors.

1. Find a Quiet, Hidden Corner

Hedgehogs like peace and privacy. Place the house in a quiet corner of your garden — behind a hedge, under shrubs, or near a log pile. Somewhere that feels safe, dark, and a little overgrown is ideal. Avoid open lawns or busy paths.

2. Shelter from the Weather

Face the entrance east or south-east so it catches a bit of morning sun but stays out of the prevailing wind and rain (usually from the south-west here in Ireland). Don’t place it in full sun all day — it can overheat in summer.

3. Keep the Base Dry

Hedgehogs won’t use a damp house. Pick a slightly raised, well-drained spot. If needed, sit the house on a couple of bricks or a flat stone to lift it just above ground level and let rainwater drain away.

4. Blend It In

Cover the roof and sides with fallen leaves, twigs, or moss. This keeps the temperature steady and makes the house feel like part of the landscape — exactly how hedgehogs like it. Natural camouflage also helps deter predators.

5. Easy Access for Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs wander through several gardens each night, so make sure they can get in and out easily. Leave small gaps (about 13 × 13 cm) under fences or walls. Avoid gravel or steps right in front of the entrance — level, soft ground is best.

6. Add Food and Water Nearby

A shallow dish of water and a small plate of dry cat food or specialist hedgehog food nearby will help, especially in dry weather. Keep the feeding area a few metres away from the house to keep it clean and natural-smelling.

7. Let It Be

Once the house is in place, leave it alone. Don’t open or move it during autumn or winter — a hedgehog may be hibernating inside. You can check and clean it out lightly in early spring when they’re active again.

8. Great Spots in an Irish Garden

• Under a south-facing wall (tucked into the shaded side)
• Behind a log pile or compost bay
• At the base of dense shrubs like hazel or holly
• Beside your wildflower patch or hedgerow boundary

These locations give hedgehogs cover, food, and security — all the things they need to thrive.

If you’re just starting to make your garden more wildlife-friendly, see our Start Here guide for easy first steps. You can also explore more ideas for wildlife gardening in Ireland to attract pollinators, birds, and hedgehogs alike.

Call to action: This week, pick a quiet spot and get your hedgehog house in place. It only takes ten minutes — and you could give a hedgehog a safe home for winter.