Hedgehogs play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem, mainly, by helping control insect populations. Unfortunately, hedgehog numbers have been declining in the UK due to various factors such as habitat loss and human activities. But there's plenty you can do in your own garden to create a haven for these delightful creatures. In this blog post, we'll explore various tips and tricks to make your garden more hedgehog-friendly.
Provide Shelter: Hedgehogs need safe and secure places to nest and hibernate. Create sheltered areas by placing log piles, leaf heaps, or purpose-built hedgehog houses in quiet corners of your garden. These structures provide a cosy refuge for hedgehogs to rest, hibernate, or even raise their young.
Leave Wild Spaces: Avoid the temptation to tidy up every corner of your garden. Hedgehogs love wild, overgrown areas where they can forage for insects and find cover. Let a patch of your garden go a bit wild to encourage a diverse range of plants and insects, providing a natural habitat for hedgehogs.
Hedgehog-Friendly Plants: Choose hedgehog-friendly plants that attract insects, a primary food source for hedgehogs. Native wildflowers like foxgloves, primroses, and bluebells are excellent choices. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as they can harm hedgehogs and their food sources.
Accessible Water Source: Hedgehogs need access to water, especially during dry spells. Place shallow dishes or bowls filled with water in your garden. If the water is deep, make sure the edges are gently sloped, allowing hedgehogs to easily access and exit the water.
Create Hedgehog Highways: Hedgehogs roam over a wide area in search of food and mates. Help them navigate your neighborhood by creating small openings or 'hedgehog highways' in fences and barriers. They need to be a minimum of 13cm x 13cm, this allows them to move freely from one garden to another.
Check Before You Trim: Before mowing the lawn or trimming shrubs, carefully check for hedgehogs, especially during the nesting season (spring and early summer). Hedgehog nests can be well-hidden in tall grass or under shrubs, so a quick visual inspection can prevent unintentional harm.
Feeding Stations: Supplement the hedgehog's natural diet by providing hedgehog-friendly food. Avoid feeding them bread and milk, as it can upset their stomachs. Instead, offer cat or dog food, mealworms, or specially formulated hedgehog food. Place the food in a shallow dish to prevent any accidental drowning.
Be Mindful of Bonfires: If you're planning a bonfire, check for hedgehogs before lighting it. Piles of leaves or wood can make an attractive nesting spot for hedgehogs, and it's crucial to ensure they aren't hiding inside before setting the pile ablaze.
In conclusion, creating a hedgehog-friendly garden is a rewarding endeavour that not only helps these charming creatures but also contributes to the overall health of your local ecosystem. By implementing these simple tips, you can turn your garden into a haven for hedgehogs, making a positive impact on their survival in the UK. Let's work together to ensure these spiky friends continue to thrive for generations to come.
If you would like help to make your garden a haven for wildlife or would like to discuss a garden design which can incorporate everything a hedgehog needs, please get in touch.
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