Hedgehogs are now gradually entering hibernation, and BBC Gardeners' World has shared a simple way for anyone with a garden to help them find a cosy shelter. The advice is to build habitat piles using logs, twigs, and other garden debris in a quiet, tucked-away corner that is rarely visited.
Hibernation will continue throughout winter before hedgehogs emerge in March or April, depending on the weather and local temperatures. During hibernation, hedgehogs enter torpor, a deep, energy-conserving state in which bodily functions slow considerably. Normal body temperature falls from 35°C to 10°C or below, the heart rate drops from around 190 beats per minute to approximately 20 beats per minute, and breathing reduces to roughly once every few minutes.
Hedgehogs rouse during milder weather
Their slumber is not uninterrupted, however. Hedgehogs regularly rouse for brief spells or relocate to different nesting spots, particularly during milder weather, reports the Express.
Gardeners' World outlines three principal methods for constructing homes for various species, including hedgehogs. The first approach involves stacking logs together, providing shelter for insects and mammals. Partially embedding the logs into the ground helps certain species that feed on decaying wood, while you should "ensure there are nooks and crannies for insects and mammals, and fill any gaps with dry leaves."
Building a larger habitat pile
For a more ambitious undertaking, "start by erecting four wooden posts in a rectangle, then fill the space with pieces of wood, such as logs and twigs." Larger items, such as logs, ought to be placed at the base, with twigs and clippings layered on top.
Finally, the most complex project is constructing wooden fences, or purchasing them ready-made. The publication advises against treating the timber with a preservative, allowing it to decompose gradually and create numerous distinct habitats for local wildlife.
