Putting out food is one of the easiest ways to attract hedgehogs to your garden this October, as they seek to build up their fat reserves ahead of hibernation. Gardeners can look after hedgehogs this autumn by making their gardens more inviting, and there are numerous benefits to having them around.
As natural predators of insects, caterpillars and beetles, hedgehogs serve as an effective form of natural pest control. Hedgehog numbers in rural areas have fallen by between a third and three-quarters nationally over the past two decades, and creating wildlife-friendly gardens is one of the key ways to support their conservation.
Food and water for hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are particularly fond of insects such as beetles, earthworms and snails. You can also put out meat-based cat food, specialist hedgehog food or plain dry cat biscuits. As hedgehogs are predominantly active after dark, place the food outside during the evening.
Put out a shallow dish of clean water somewhere quiet and sheltered, and make sure to refresh the water every day. Gardens can offer hedgehogs vital sources of food, water and shelter, and leaving small gaps in fences and gates enables them to move safely and freely between different areas, reports the Express.
Shelter and safe access
Hedgehogs require a calm, sheltered spot to rest throughout the day before eventually going into hibernation. Think about leaving one corner of your garden unkempt, with heaps of leaves, logs and branches where hedgehogs can shelter and recuperate. You can also purchase or construct a hedgehog house to provide a dedicated retreat for them.
These prickly creatures can cover a surprisingly considerable distance overnight while foraging for food and water. Leaving a small opening at the base of gates and fences enables hedgehogs to roam freely between gardens without venturing near busy roads or hazardous areas. A gap measuring 13cm by 13cm is generally the ideal size.
Avoid harmful chemicals
If you're actively looking to encourage hedgehogs into your garden, cut back on the use of pesticides and other chemicals. These can directly harm hedgehogs and also eliminate the insects they depend upon for sustenance. With just a handful of minor adjustments suggested by Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, gardeners can make their outdoor space far more welcoming and provide hedgehogs with the resources they require during the autumn months.
