How to Make a Hedgehog Gap in Garden Boundaries

Illustration of a wildlife garden corner with shrubs, leaves and deadwood

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Making a hedgehog gap in a garden boundary involves creating a small, strategically placed opening in a fence or wall to allow hedgehogs to travel between gardens. Because hedgehogs can roam up to 2km (or roughly one mile) in a single night searching for food and mates, secure boundaries often act as barriers that fragment their habitat. A standard gap of 13cm by 13cm is a commonly recommended hedgehog opening; assess pet containment separately because small pets may also pass through.

Table of Contents

Planning your hedgehog highway

Before any physical work begins, coordination with neighbours is essential. A gap only functions as a ‘highway’ if it connects two accessible gardens. Discuss the location of the hole with the owner of the adjacent property to ensure the opening is placed in a location that is acceptable to both parties.

When choosing the site for the gap, consider the surrounding landscape. Avoid creating openings that lead wildlife directly onto busy roads, as this increases the risk of vehicle collisions. Instead, aim for areas where the gap leads into sheltered garden spaces. Choose connected routes through suitable gardens; extra holes are not needed at a fixed spacing.

Creating gaps in wooden fences

Wooden fences are the most common boundaries and are generally the easiest to modify. There are two primary methods for creating an opening depending on whether you can remove the fence panel.

Method 1: Removing the panel

If the fence construction allows, remove the panel entirely. Use a ruler and pencil to mark a 13cm x 13cm square at the very bottom of the panel. Using a coping saw, cut out the marked square. Once the cut is complete, use sandpaper to smooth any rough or splintered edges to prevent injury to the animal. Reinstall the panel into the fence posts.

Method 2: Cutting in situ

If the panel cannot be removed, you can cut the hole while the fence remains standing. Use a pad saw or ‘jab saw’ to create the opening. Alternatively, you can drill a pilot hole inside your marked 13cm x 13cm area using a wood drill bit, then insert a jigsaw or saw blade through the hole to follow your marked lines. An arch can work provided the usable opening still allows the recommended clear space. Check both sides for services, fixings and obstructions, and do not weaken a structural rail or post.

Modifying brick or stone walls

Do not remove a brick or cut an opening without checking the wall’s construction and ownership. Ask a competent builder to assess structural support, services and a suitable opening. A fence-panel gap may be a simpler option where agreed with the owner.

Check the finished opening

Hedgehog Street recommends a clear opening around 13cm by 13cm. Measure the usable gap after any edging or plaque is fitted and ensure the ground on both sides is level enough for access. Remove sharp mesh ends, protruding screws and splinters.

Assess pet containment separately: some small pets can use a hedgehog opening. Do not create a route into an unsafe area or alter a boundary without the owner’s agreement.

Long-term boundary alternatives

For those looking for a more permanent and ecologically beneficial solution, replacing solid walls or fences with hedges is the ideal option. Hedges provide several advantages over artificial boundaries:

Natural permeability: Hedgehogs can move through the base of a hedge without the need for artificial holes.
Shelter: Dense foliage provides nesting sites and protection from predators.
Food sources: Hedges attract insects, which are the primary food source for hedgehogs.
Biodiversity: Hedges support a wider range of wildlife, including birds and bees.

Preventing accidental blockage

Once a gap has been created, there is a risk that it may be accidentally blocked by garden debris, soil buildup, or by other people who may not be aware of its purpose. To prevent this, you can pin a label above the hole to identify it as a ‘hedgehog highway’. This alerts other garden users or contractors to leave the area clear. Additionally, check the gap periodically, especially after heavy rain or gardening work, to ensure it remains open and unobstructed.

Useful products for this job

The links below open Amazon UK product searches. Check the exact item, seller, current price and compatibility before buying.

Coping saw: Used for cutting precise square or arched holes in wooden fence panels. Ensure the saw has replacement blades suitable for the thickness of your fence panels. Search Amazon for Coping saw.
Pad saw: An alternative tool for cutting holes in fences that cannot be removed from their posts. Check the blade length to ensure it can reach through the fence panel. Search Amazon for Pad saw.
Sandpaper: Necessary for smoothing rough edges of the cut hole to protect the hedgehog. A medium grit is generally sufficient for smoothing rough-cut timber. Search Amazon for Sandpaper.

Related garden guides

Sources and further guidance

Guidance researched in September 2026. The feature image is an AI-generated illustration. Product guidance is based on published information, not hands-on testing.