Buy 12 Inch Smooth Concrete Gravel Board with Hedgehog Hole at East Coast Fencing
12 Inch Smooth Concrete Gravel Board with Hedgehog Hole is a durable fencing base component that lifts timber panels clear of the ground while providing a wildlife-friendly passage at fence line level. The smooth-faced concrete delivers a clean, modern finish, and the integrated hedgehog opening supports garden biodiversity without compromising the stability of the fence.
Durable base protection with a neat finish
Manufactured from steel-reinforced concrete, this gravel board is rot-proof, insect-proof and highly resistant to weathering. The smooth face creates a crisp visual datum along the bottom of the fence, disguising minor ground undulations and sharpening the overall presentation of boundary lines.
Wildlife-friendly hedgehog access
The incorporated hedgehog hole provides a discrete access point at ground level, allowing hedgehogs to roam between gardens in search of food, mates and shelter. By enabling movement through fenced plots, the opening helps maintain connected habitats, supporting the health of local hedgehog populations while keeping the primary function of the gravel board intact.
Why choose a hedgehog hole?
- Biodiversity support: Encourages wildlife corridors in built-up areas.
- Discreet and practical: Integrates into the base of the fence without altering panel layout.
- Neighbour-friendly: Helps create continuous routes when adjacent properties use similar features.
- Low maintenance: Concrete opening will not rot or swell like an improvised timber cut-out.
Purpose and performance
At approximately 12 inches (around 300mm) in height, the gravel board separates timber panels from soil contact, splashback and surface moisture. Acting as a sacrificial barrier at ground level, it helps panels remain straighter for longer, reduces the risk of decay at the lower edges and simplifies future panel replacements.
Typical applications
- Residential boundaries: Provide a clean base line beneath closeboard, lap or decorative panels while enabling hedgehog passage.
- Garden refurbishments: Upgrade older runs with a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly foundation.
- Mixed systems: Use with slotted concrete posts and standard timber panels for straightforward installation.
Compatibility and handling
The board is designed to slot into standard concrete posts, forming the base course before panels are installed above. Concrete components are heavy and typically require two-person lifting and appropriate manual-handling practice. Once in place, the smooth face and recessed opening align neatly along the run for a tidy, repeatable detail.
Installation guidance
- Set posts plumb and to line first; use the gravel board to establish a consistent datum across bays.
- On sloped sites, step boards at post positions to keep the base visually level and the hedgehog opening at ground line.
- Ensure ground immediately beneath the opening is free-draining and clear of obstructions so wildlife can pass safely.
- Avoid blocking the opening with mulch, gravel or planting; keep a short, open approach either side of the fence.
Low-maintenance performance
Concrete requires minimal upkeep—periodic rinsing to remove mud or debris is usually sufficient. Because the opening is part of the casting, it maintains shape and clearance over time, unlike timber cut-outs that can distort or degrade at ground level.
Design coherence
The smooth profile suits both contemporary and traditional gardens, pairing well with timber panels, capping and either brown or green-treated components. Repeating the same board along the boundary creates a continuous base line, while the discreet wildlife opening ensures functionality without drawing attention away from the overall fence design.
Benefits at a glance
- Smooth-faced, steel-reinforced concrete for long service life.
- 12" height lifts panels above soil and splashback.
- Integrated hedgehog hole supports wildlife movement between gardens.
- Compatible with slotted concrete posts and common panel styles.
- Low maintenance; resists rot, insects and ground moisture.
Summary
The 12 Inch Smooth Concrete Gravel Board with Hedgehog Hole combines the durability and neat presentation of a smooth concrete base with a thoughtfully integrated passage for hedgehogs. It protects timber panels, tidies the fence line and promotes biodiversity—an effective, long-lasting choice for modern garden boundaries.
