For homeowners and contractors alike, the priority when installing fencing is usually longevity and security. However, modern landscaping requires a third consideration: biodiversity.
A concrete gravel board has always been a staple for professional fencing, but new designs that incorporate "Hedgehog Highways" are becoming the industry standard. This simple addition allows you to build a robust boundary without disrupting the local ecosystem.
Here is why your next fencing project should utilize a hedgehog-friendly concrete gravel board.
Essential Protection for Timber Fencing
Before considering the wildlife benefits, it is vital to remember the primary function of a gravel board. It acts as a protective barrier between the damp ground and your fence panel.
Without a gravel board, timber panels sit directly on soil or grass. This exposure to moisture accelerates rot and fungal decay, significantly reducing the lifespan of the fence. A concrete option offers superior durability compared to timber boards, providing a rot-free, rigid foundation that does not degrade over time.
The "Hedgehog Highway" Explained
Hedgehogs are known to travel up to 2km in a single night foraging for food and mates. Traditional solid fencing creates a network of fragmented habitats, preventing this necessary travel and contributing to the decline in hedgehog populations across the UK.
A "Hedgehog Highway" is simply a pre-formed gap—ideally 13cm square—at the base of the fence. This size is sufficient for a hedgehog to pass through safely but is generally too small for most domestic pets to escape or for foxes to enter.
By installing a gravel board with this pre-cast hole, you connect your garden to the wider environment, allowing wildlife to roam freely while keeping your property secure.
The Professional Solution: Supreme Pro Recessed Board
Lawsons stocks the Supreme Pro Range Hedgehog Hole Concrete Gravel Board, designed to meet both structural and ecological requirements.
This board features a textured, recessed finish that adds a premium look to the garden boundary. Measuring 1.83m x 295mm, it is compatible with standard fencing bays and offers the heavy-duty strength required for trade applications. The integrated 13cm hole ensures you are compliant with modern wildlife-friendly practices without the need for manual cutting or modification on site.
Key Benefits:
- Rot Prevention: Separates timber from ground moisture.
- Eco-Friendly: Pre-cast hole supports local hedgehog populations.
- Durability: High-strength concrete withstands weather and ground movement.
- Efficiency: Ready to install with no on-site cutting required for wildlife access.
Concrete vs. Timber Gravel Boards: Which is Right for You?
When selecting materials for a fencing project, the choice often comes down to cost versus longevity. While treated timber gravel boards are a lower-cost initial option, they are naturally susceptible to ground moisture. Over time, even pressure-treated timber in constant contact with damp soil will degrade.
Concrete gravel boards, such as the Supreme Pro range, offer a distinct advantage:
- Immunity to Rot: Concrete does not decay, rust, or weaken when exposed to wet soil.
- Structural Base: They provide a heavier, more stable base that helps prevent fence panels from bowing in high winds.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike timber, which may require re-treating, concrete requires zero maintenance once installed.
For a long-term investment, concrete is the professional standard. It ensures that you will not need to replace your gravel boards for decades, making it the more cost-effective choice over the lifespan of the fence.
Installation Advice for a Secure Boundary
Installing the Pro Recessed Hedgehog Concrete Gravel Board is straightforward for any competent DIYer or tradesperson.
These boards are designed to work seamlessly with concrete slotted posts. The gravel board simply slots into the posts first, sitting flush with the ground level. Your fencing panel then slides in on top of the gravel board. This "slot-in" system eliminates the need for brackets or fixings, creating a clean, secure finish.
Important Note: When installing, ensure the ground beneath the board is level. The hedgehog hole should be clear of debris and soil on both sides of the fence line to ensure the "highway" remains open for wildlife.
Completing the Wildlife-Friendly Garden
Creating a hedgehog highway is the first step, but a truly biodiverse garden requires more than just access. Within our Gardening Products and Fencing and Landscaping ranges, you can find everything needed to enhance the habitat further:
- Log Piles: Leave a small area of the garden wild using offcuts or logs from our Arborist and Forestry section. This provides shelter and insects for hedgehogs to eat.
- Safe Planting: Use our gardening tools to plant native species that provide cover.
- Avoid Chemicals: Be mindful when using chemical weed killers or slug pellets, as these can be harmful to hedgehogs.
By combining the Supreme Pro Hedgehog Board with a thoughtful garden layout, you contribute to a nationwide effort to save this iconic species.
