Gardeners are being urged to cut holes at the bottom of their fences this summer to help a cherished garden visitor that is now critically endangered. The UK's hedgehog population has fallen dramatically in recent years, driven by environmental shifts and modern gardening practices.
Hedgehog Population Decline
Hedgehogs rank among Britain's most adored mammals, but a 2022 report revealed a drop of between 30 and 75% since 2000. Further research indicates their numbers have been falling for even longer. Given this worrying trend, gardeners ought to be doing all they can to welcome these prickly visitors into their gardens this summer — especially as hedgehogs are brilliant natural pest controllers.
Benefits of Hedgehogs in Gardens
Not only are hedgehogs utterly adorable, but they're also superb at munching through various pests that gardeners constantly battle, such as slugs and snails. July is a critical month for hedgehogs as they spend it breeding, foraging, and building up their reserves for winter. Their diet consists mainly of insects, slugs, worms, and small invertebrates, though they'll also nibble on fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots.
Creating a Hedgehog Highway
As well as providing food and drink for hedgehogs, it is recommended to give them access in and out of your garden by creating what's known as a "hedgehog highway". The Wildlife Trust said, "Hedgehogs need to be able to roam far and wide in search of food, mates and nesting sites – the average hedgehog roams 2km a night. Get together with your neighbours to make a hole in your fence or dig a channel beneath garden boundaries to connect your gardens." Keep a close eye out for neighbours carrying out work on their gardens, or bringing in fencing contractors — this is the ideal opportunity to get a hedgehog hole installed.
How to Create a Hedgehog Hole in Your Fence
What you will need: Ruler, Pencil, Coping saw, Sandpaper. If your neighbour is agreeable, remove a fence panel. Alternatively, leave the fence in place and use a padsaw or jab saw instead of a coping saw. Measure and mark a 13cm by 13cm hole at the bottom of the panel. Using the coping saw, cut out the marked hole. If the edges are particularly rough, use sandpaper to smooth them down. Replace your fence panel. Your hedgehog highway is now open for business.
