Hedgehog hibernation season has begun, and Gardeners' World is urging anyone with a garden to build a simple habitat pile to help the animals through the winter months.
Hedgehogs are now gradually entering hibernation, which will last throughout winter before they typically emerge in March or April, depending on the weather and local temperatures.
How Hibernation Works
During hibernation, hedgehogs enter torpor, a deep, energy-conserving state in which bodily functions slow dramatically. Normal body temperature drops from 35°C to 10°C or below, the heart rate falls from around 190 beats per minute to roughly 20 beats per minute, and breathing slows to approximately once every few minutes.
Their slumber is not uninterrupted, however. Hedgehogs regularly stir for brief periods or switch nesting sites, particularly during milder spells, according to the Express.
Building a Habitat Pile
To help hedgehogs find a safe, snug home, Gardeners' World recommends building habitat piles from logs, twigs, and other garden debris. The advice is to find a tucked-away corner of the garden that is rarely visited and construct a simple habitat there.
The magazine outlines three key methods for building homes for various species, hedgehogs included. The first involves stacking logs together, providing a hiding place for insects and mammals. Partially bury the logs to assist certain types of insects which thrive on rotting wood, and "ensure there are nooks and crannies for insects and mammals, and fill any gaps with dry leaves."
More Ambitious Projects
For a more ambitious undertaking, the guidance is to "start by erecting four wooden posts in a rectangle, then fill the space with pieces of wood, such as logs and twigs." Larger pieces, such as logs, should be placed at the bottom, while twigs and clippings can be layered on top.
Finally, the most challenging project involves building wooden fences, or purchasing them ready-made. The magazine advises against treating the wood with a preservative so it can gradually rot down and create several distinct habitats for wildlife.
