Making gardens not only beautiful, but a safe haven for wildlife has become a top priority for many green-fingered Brits.
One such welcome creature is the humble hedgehog – which is great at getting rid of garden pests such as beetles, caterpillars and other invertebrates that like to feast on your plants.
However, sadly numbers of the spiny mammal have declined sharply in recent years.
Leading gardening brand Gardman has shared its top tips on how to make your garden a welcoming space for the adorable animals.
With Hedgehog Awareness Week occurring between Sunday May 5 and Saturday May 11, these are the five things you should be doing to make your space welcoming fort these spiky visitors.
Create a gap in your garden fence for hedgehogs to pass through.
As many modern gardens are often surrounded by high fences, creating a 13cm x 13cm gap at the bottom of a fence allows for easy passage between neighbouring gardens, which are known as hedgehog highways.
To ensure that hedgehogs do not catch their spines as they move from garden to garden, you should always keep the area clear of netting and plant growth.
Offer them a safe and comfortable home
If you have access to logs and dry leaves, you can create a welcoming hedgehog haven, but if you don’t have a plentiful supply, then a hedgehog house will provide the perfect accommodation.
Some hedgehog houses are constructed from a sturdy rust-resistant steel frame, and covered with a natural camouflage finish, enabling it to blend in nicely with the natural surroundings of your garden.
Always keep plenty of fresh water
Hydration is a must for hedgehogs so ensure there are plenty of clean, shallow bowls of water available around the garden.
Gardman advises to top them up regularly, particularly during periods of hot weather.
They also advise that adding stones and slate to the water creates landing spots for birds, butterflies, and bees too – so they can also pause for a drink.
Keep a good supply of quality food
Many people think milk is a good source of food for hedgehogs, but in reality, it gives them an upset stomach.
Gardman Hedgehog Bites have been created with the essential vitamins and minerals hedgehogs need.
These high-energy, tasty bites supplement the natural food they will find in your garden. The food can be placed on the ground or in a dedicated feeding tray.
Make your garden safe for your hedgehog visitors
Ponds provide a wonderful wildlife habitat but must always have an escape route, such as a ramp or series of semi-submerged ledges, which will enable an easy exit.
Following these simple tips will make gardens a much more welcoming place for these enchanting creatures.
Running from Sunday May 5 to Saturday May 11, National Hedgehog Week is organised by The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS).
This article by Zac Campbell was first published by The Daily Mail on 23 April 2024. Lead Image: Here are the five things you should be doing to make your home hedgehog-friendly. Pictured: File image of a European hedgehog.
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