20.09.2026 — Mithelfen
Instructions: Winter shelter for hedgehogs
In the fall, hedgehogs retreat to a dry, frost-free winter shelter and hibernate until the following spring. By creating a pile of wood and leaves, you can provide the hedgehogs in your garden with a suitable shelter.
During hibernation, hedgehogs’ body temperature drops and their metabolism slows down. The animals use dense underbrush, piles of leaves, or hollows in woodpiles as winter shelters. In cities, however, gardens are often too tidy for hedgehogs. With just a little effort, you can create a hedgehog-friendly environment.
What makes the ideal winter home?
The location should be as dry as possible underground. Avoid any depressions where water can pool.
The winter shelter is a cavity measuring approximately 30x30x30 cm that cannot collapse. To create it, we stack thick pieces of split wood—each about 1 m long—in three layers so that a protected cavity forms in the center.
Next, we pile up a large heap of several layers of leaves and branches to make the winter shelter as watertight as possible. The top layer should consist of branches so that the wind doesn’t blow the leaves away.
Leave an entrance about 15 cm wide so the hedgehog can move in. If the entrance is too large, however, uninvited guests like foxes or cats will also get in.
Once the hedgehog has moved in, it’s best not to disturb it anymore and let it sleep through the winter in peace.
How to build a winter shelter for hedgehogs
The base: split logs stacked in layers. Image: Hedgehog Centre Zurich
The insulation: leaves and branches in several layers. Image: Hedgehog Centre Zurich
The finished winter shelter for hedgehogs. Image: Hedgehog Centre Zurich
More ways to help hedgehogs
Avoid robotic lawn mowers
Unfortunately, robotic lawn mowers frequently cause severe injuries to hedgehogs because their sensors do not recognise them as obstacles. It is better to mow the lawn yourself.
Create clear passageways
Hedgehogs roam considerable distances on their nightly forays and cross our gardens in search of insects, snails and other treats. They cannot get through everywhere. Shortening a few slats in the garden fence to create a 10 × 10 cm opening gives hedgehogs a clear passage.
Small steps for short legs
Hedgehogs have short legs and are poor climbers, so steps more than 15 cm high can become insurmountable obstacles. A large stone or a piece of wood can provide a simple step up to the higher level.
More ways to help hedgehogs
A few shortened fence slats allow hedgehogs to pass through. Image: Ursina Koller
A piece of wood or a large stone can quickly become a hedgehog step. Image: Hedgehog Centre Zurich
More tips for hedgehog lovers: