Discount retailer B&M is offering a budget-friendly solution for nature enthusiasts with its "wonderful" £15 Hedgehog House, designed to attract and protect wildlife in British gardens. This wooden shelter, measuring approximately 45 x 34 x 28.5cm, is marketed as an ideal habitat for hedgehogs to settle, nest, and hibernate.
Supporting Declining Hedgehog Populations
According to the RSPCA, hedgehogs are frequent garden visitors, with up to 10 different individuals potentially passing through in a single night. However, the UK's only spiny mammal species is facing a significant decline due to habitat loss, which reduces available shelter and food sources. The charity emphasises that creating hedgehog-friendly spaces is crucial for their survival and thriving.
B&M's Affordable Wildlife Solution
B&M promotes the Hedgehog Hut on its website, stating it is "perfect for wildlife in your garden." Priced at £15, it offers a cost-effective alternative to the RSPCA's own £32 model. The retailer frequently stocks garden products, catering to shoppers looking to enhance their outdoor areas while supporting local ecosystems.
DIY Options and Care Tips
For those preferring a hands-on approach, the RSPCA provides instructions for building a hedgehog house using materials like 20 to 30 old bricks, paving stones, logs, twigs, and garden soil. Whether purchased or homemade, proper maintenance is essential. The RSPCA advises:
- Topping up leaves near the entrance periodically to keep the house cosy.
- Cleaning only in October, after hoglets have left but before hibernation.
- Placing food away from the shelter, as hedgehogs prefer sleeping separately from eating areas.
- Avoiding disturbance and using a small twig at the entrance to check for occupancy.
By adding a hedgehog house, gardeners provide a safe refuge that can help reverse the species' decline, offering a habitat for resting, nesting, and rearing hoglets. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to combat biodiversity loss in urban and suburban environments.
