Care for Hedgehogs: Supporting These Beloved Garden Visitors

Hedgehogs are a cherished sight in British gardens, but their numbers have been declining due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, you can help support these nocturnal creatures and ensure they thrive. Here’s a guide to caring for hedgehogs in your garden and helping them live healthy lives.

1. Create a Hedgehog-Friendly Habitat

Hedgehogs need plenty of cover to feel safe, so create natural spaces in your garden where they can forage and shelter. Leave areas of wild grass, shrubs, or piles of leaves for them to nest and hunt for insects. Building a hedgehog house is another excellent way to provide shelter, especially during the colder months when they hibernate. Place the house in a quiet, shaded area away from disturbances.

2. Provide Food and Water

Hedgehogs are insectivores, but they will appreciate supplementary food in your garden. Offer hedgehog-specific food, meaty cat or dog food, or dried mealworms. Avoid feeding them milk or bread, as these can cause digestive issues. Fresh water is essential, especially during dry weather, so leave a shallow dish of water where they can access it easily.

3. Avoid Hazards in the Garden

Take precautions to make your garden a safe space for hedgehogs. Check for them before using strimmers or mowers, as they often hide in overgrown grass or under hedges. Cover drains and deep holes, and avoid using slug pellets or pesticides that could harm them. If you have a pond, ensure there is a sloped edge or ramp to allow hedgehogs to climb out safely.

4. Help Them Move Between Gardens

Hedgehogs roam up to two miles a night in search of food and mates, so creating “hedgehog highways” can make a big difference. These are small gaps (13cm x 13cm) in fences or walls that allow hedgehogs to move between gardens easily. Collaborating with neighbours can create a network of safe spaces for them to explore.

Key Takeaways:

• Create a natural habitat with plenty of cover and a dedicated hedgehog house.
• Offer hedgehog-friendly food and fresh water, avoiding harmful items like milk or bread.
• Make your garden safe by removing hazards and avoiding harmful chemicals.
• Provide hedgehog highways to help them travel between gardens.

With these simple steps, you can turn your garden into a haven for hedgehogs, helping to protect these beloved creatures and encourage them to thrive.