As UK summers grow hotter, heatwaves are becoming more dangerous – not just for people, but for wildlife too.
Hedgehogs, already under threat from habitat loss, are now facing dehydration, overheating and even death due to rising temperatures.
But with a few simple garden design tweaks, homeowners can provide essential shade, shelter, and water to help these iconic animals survive the heat.
1. Build cool shelter and shade the right way
In scorching weather, hedgehogs urgently need cool, shaded areas to rest and escape the sun. A well-placed hedgehog house – ideally tucked under a hedge, tree, or compost heap – offers protection from heat and predators.
Avoid placing homes in open or sun-exposed areas, or directly on artificial grass, which can trap and reflect heat.
MyBuilder.com, as part of its Trades to the Rescue campaign, has published a free DIY guide to help homeowners build their own safe and well-ventilated hedgehog homes using natural materials.
“Simple changes can make such a difference, and don't have to cost much, either,” says Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com. “Consider leaving wild areas, installing a little hedgehog house, and covering up any drains or holes that could be a hazard. Our guide will give you plenty of budget‑friendly ideas – and our expert gardeners are on hand to give any advice should you need it.”
2. Make water readily available, every day
Hedgehogs dehydrate quickly in hot weather, especially when natural sources dry up. Homeowners can support them by placing shallow, heavy dishes of clean water around their gardens – ideally in a shady spot and refreshed daily.
Avoid using milk, which is harmful to hedgehogs, and make sure the containers are easy to access and not too deep. If you have a pond, make sure there's a sloped edge or escape ramp so hedgehogs can climb out safely.
MyBuilder also suggests placing dishes near natural cover or beside the entrance to a hedgehog house for easy access.
3. Plant for protection and create a cooler habitat
Well-chosen plants not only cool the garden but also provide essential cover and food sources. Drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly plants like lavender, thyme, heather and sedum offer shelter and attract insects that hedgehogs feed on.
Dense native shrubs or hedging provide cooler zones and encourage natural nesting behaviour.
Leaving part of your garden untamed – with log piles, leaf litter, and longer grass – helps create a humid microclimate that’s ideal for hedgehogs during hot spells.
“This guide provides great basic steps for British gardeners to take to really create an area that is supportive to the safety and health of hedgehogs,” says Sharon Jacobs, senior nurse at wildlife hospital Tiggywinkles. “We’d also urge gardeners to take care when mowing or hedge-cutting – we see thousands of injuries from this every year.”
