Hedgehogs are at risk from several man-made dangers in gardens and streets, with bin collection day posing one of the greatest threats. These small creatures often rummage through rubbish in search of food, and if bin bags are left on the ground outside, hedgehogs can easily tear through them and crawl inside.
Once inside a bag, hedgehogs may become trapped and unable to find their way out, or they may settle within the bag and, come collection day, end up being thrown into the back of a refuse lorry. To prevent this, never leave bags on the ground in your garden and ensure they are placed directly into the bin.
Other Garden Hazards to Watch For
Beyond the bins, there are other easily overlooked hazards worth keeping an eye out for when safeguarding these nocturnal animals. One of these is ensuring your drains remain covered, as hedgehogs can easily tumble into an open drain and quickly become stuck. Keeping them covered eliminates any chance of this occurring.
Other potentially fatal hazards include bean trenches, footings, fencing holes and car inspection pits. It is essential to pay particular attention to these features during autumn and winter to maintain garden safety. Should covering these openings prove impractical, then an escape route must be provided, most effectively achieved using a sloping plank.
Creating Hedgehog Highways
Maximising safety also involves shutting shed, greenhouse and garage doors and ensuring they remain closed overnight. This prevents hedgehogs from entering and nesting inside, where they risk becoming trapped.
One of the most straightforward methods to assist hedgehogs and enable free movement through your garden into neighbouring properties or onto the road is by creating 'hedgehog highways'. By cutting square openings into walls or fencing, you allow them to pass through freely and without obstruction.
This approach is endorsed by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, who recommend cutting a 13x13cm (5×5") opening designed specifically for hedgehogs. Additionally, leaving a small gap beneath garden gates is advised to provide an even more accessible entry point. Some gardeners prefer to enhance this further by painting the hedgehog holes a contrasting colour to their fencing or marking it as a charming little feature within their garden.
