September is a busy month for hedgehogs, and over the coming weeks they are more likely to be spotted outside homes as they forage to build up fat stores for winter hibernation.
Householders who want to see more hedgehogs in their gardens and help them survive the winter can take measures to invite them into their space.
How to create a hedgehog hole
To help these small nocturnal mammals roam freely between gardens, homeowners can cut a small 13cm x 13cm hole at the bottom of their fence. This gap is large enough for any hedgehog but still small enough to keep out other animals such as cats and dogs.
To do this, mark out an opening on the fence using a pencil and carefully cut along the lines with a hand saw. Ensure the hole is at ground level and does not get blocked by pots, soil, or dense decking. Smooth out the rough edges with sandpaper to protect the hedgehogs as they make their way through.
Those who are particularly keen for hedgehogs to visit the neighbourhood can speak to neighbours to co-ordinate a continuous hedgehog highway linked through multiple gardens.
Food and water tips
Homeowners should also place a bowl of shallow water outside, as wild hedgehogs can easily become dehydrated. Offer clean drinking water all year round in heavy shallow containers like ceramic plant pot saucers so they can reach over the water easily.
These creatures should never be fed milk, as they cannot digest it and it makes them seriously ill. They can be fed hedgehog friendly food, including meat-based wet cat or dog food. Raw kitchen cuts of meat such as chicken or beef should be avoided.
To keep them safe in the garden, it is also important to avoid using pesticides, poisons and traps.
