Hedgehogs are Brilliant Creatures.

Most people think they're slow movers – but in fact they can cover up to 3km in a single night! And they can run pretty fast, too.
They'll eat anything that gets in their way, from insects to snails, and from caterpillars to worms.

And they can eat up to 100 insects in one night!
Hedgehogs can survive in the countryside as well as in towns and cities, where they live in dry and sheltered places.
This is a Hedgehog Teepee – it's a perfect home for any hedgehogs that might be in your area.

And if you follow the instructions below, you can make one yourself!
The teepee is waterproof, and covered in twigs and foliage.

Start by getting three sticks or garden canes, about this size.
Secure an elastic band around one end of the sticks by wrapping it around several times.

Then, just roll it along the sticks about as far as you can see in the picture opposite.
Open out the sticks to create the basic shape of the teepee.
Next, pop your sticks into the ground to keep them sturdy.
Make sure that you build your teepee beside a hedge or fence.

Don't build it in the open, otherwise your local hedgehogs won't use it!
The next job is to cover the teepee so that the hedgehogs are protected from the wind and rain.

A good way of waterproofing the teepee is to use a black bin liner.
Bin liners are quite big, so measure a length of bin liner from the top of one of the sticks to the bottom, and cut the excess off.
Place the bin liner over the top of the three sticks…
…and push the sticks through the top.
Next, cut a hole in the front of the bin liner.

This is where the tunnel will go, so that the hedgehogs can get in and out.
Place sticks all around the edge of the teepee.

Make sure that they're stuck firmly in the ground. These will give extra strength to the structure.
When done, tie all the sticks together with a piece of string, knotted in place towards the top.
Next, weave some leafy twigs in and out of the sticks.

This will keep the hedgehogs nice and warm.
Finally, you just have to make the tunnel.

This is just the central section cut out from a two litre plastic drinks bottle.

Cutting plastic can be tricky, so do ask for help to do this.
Just fashion it into place at the entrance to the teepee.

Make sure it's stuck firmly into the ground.
Cover it with soil…
…and a bit of grass…
…and that completes the teepee!

The tunnel is a really good idea, because it prevents unwanted cats and foxes from gaining access.
Hedgehogs have soft, sensitive feet – so it's a good idea to pad your teepee out.

Maybe add some hay or dried leaves to the base inside.
If you can't get either of those, shredded paper works just as well – it's lovely and soft!
All you have to do now is keep your eyes peeled, and wait for hedgehogs to come and visit.

Be careful not to get too close to them, because you might scare them off. .
You could put down some food to attract them.

They like dog food, or chunks of apple – or grated carrot!