Hedgehogs are on the decline in Europe, but we can do something about that. These are generalist feeders, so anything you do for hedgehogs will also make your patch more friendly to other wildlife. Here are a few simple ways to make your garden, field or smallholding safe for hedgehogs.
Pause the Mower
Sadly, robot mowers kill and injure hedgehogs, so make sure they don’t operate at a time of day when these little creatures are around. Only run them at the brightest time of day. You can also create more abundant feeding patches for hogs by leaving patches of your lawn uncut all summer.
Put a Hole in the Fence
Hedgehogs aren’t natural-born climbers, so think about how they’ll get in and out of your garden. You can buy attractive looking hedgehog holes that can be fitted to, or below a fence. Your garden may be a crucial link in their urban path network. If you have problems with foxes digging below the hole, you can use rocks or wire to prevent this.
Make the Pond Safe
Steep-sided ponds are a death trap for bumbling like hedgehogs, so make sure yours has an easy way out – a ramp or low edge where they can scramble to safety if they fall in.
Tidy Human Mess
While a messy garden is a haven for wildlife, certain kinds of mess can be a hazard – netting is particularly bad for hedgehogs as they can become stuck in it.
Plant Hedges
Unsurprisingly, hedgehogs love hedges – they’re a place to forage for invertebrates, a refuge from predators and a network that allows them to move across the urban landscape. Even if you have a fence, plant a hedge alongside it to make more space for wildlife!
Tell Your Neighbours
It only takes a few gardeners working together to create a biodiverse paradise for wildlife. So let your neighbours know what you’re doing and ask if there’s a way to collaborate – connecting hedgerows, planting similar native species or competing to grow the most wildflowers!