Being Helpful to Hedgehogs
Around 95% of British hedgehogs have been lost since the 1950’s, so they really need our help. Here are some quick tips so that your garden can be helpful to hedgehogs
Tip 1 Link your garden – make a hole in your fence or wall so that Hedgehogs can wander in and out, 13cm x 13cm is big enough but too small for most pets.
Tip 2 Make your pond safe – hedgehogs are good swimmers, but can’t climb out of steep-sided ponds and will drown, set a pile of stones, a piece of wood or some chicken wire at the edge of your pond to create a simple ramp.
Tip 3 Lawn treatments reduce worm numbers, pesticides, insecticides and slug pellets are toxic and unnecessary in a healthy, well-managed garden. If you have a big slug problem use pet and wildlife safe deterrents such as copper tape or beer traps.
Tip 4 Put out food and water – meaty cat or dog food, hedgehog food, and mealworms are all suitable. This extra food supplements their natural diet. Put out a bowl of fresh water daily – never put out milk as it’s really bad for hedgehogs.
For more detailed information on some of these tips and how to build a hedgehog house or for further information see Hedgehog Preservation Society