As autumn nights draw in, many of the UK's 15 million dog owners will be letting their pets into the garden after dark. This common routine could put an important garden species at risk: hedgehogs.
Daylight is dwindling, and by 30 September the sun will set at 6.48pm, while on 25 October, when the clocks go back, it will disappear at 4.50pm. This means many dog owners will be letting their dog into the garden during dusk or complete darkness, introducing a dangerous error that could distress vulnerable hedgehogs at a time when they are frequently rearing their young hoglets.
Advice from British Hedgehogs
British Hedgehogs, a charity, warns that this vulnerable garden species could be distressed by your dog. The charity said: "Keep dogs under control if you know you have hedgehogs in the garden. Also, remember that whilst your dog may be hedgehog-friendly, visitors' dogs may not. If in doubt, keep your dog on a lead when it goes out into the garden after dark."
You might not have spotted a hedgehog, but this does not mean they aren't living in your garden. Other indicators you have prickly residents include night-time snuffling noises, dark droppings, shallow zigzagging marks across topsoil, and tiny hedgehog footprints.
Protecting hedgehog habitats
The organisation provides additional advice for protecting the hedgehog population. It said: "Keep bags used for putting out household rubbish off the ground. This will prevent hedgehogs reaching them and tearing the bag. They can become trapped in the rubbish or even put out for refuse collection. Keep drains covered so that hedgehogs do not fall in and get stuck."
Bean trenches, footings, fencing holes, and car inspection pits are all potential death traps for hedgehogs. Provide an escape route, such as a sloping plank, or cover the holes so hedgehogs do not become trapped. Keep shed, greenhouse, and garage doors closed at night so that hedgehogs are not tempted to make a nest inside them and potentially become trapped when doors are permanently closed. Store chemicals safely.
When replacing or installing walls or fencing, provide 13x13cm (5x5") square holes so that hedgehogs can pass from your garden into your neighbours' gardens without difficulty. Only use environmentally safe wood preservatives on your fences, garden furniture, and wooden buildings.
