With autumn in full swing, Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, is sharing how gardeners can look out for hedgehogs this October by welcoming them into the garden. Hedgehogs are great to have in the garden for a number of reasons. Since they eat things like insects, caterpillars and beetles, they can be a natural form of pest control.
Hedgehog populations in decline
Hedgehog populations in rural areas have also declined between a third and three-quarters nationally within the last two decades and creating wildlife-friendly gardens is just one of the ways to support hedgehog conservation. Gardens can provide hedgehogs with important sources of food, water and shelter and leaving small gaps in fences and gates allows them to move safely and freely between different spaces. With just a few small and simple changes, gardeners can make their outdoor space more welcoming and give hedgehogs the resources they need during the autumn.
Provide food and water
Hedgehogs will be looking to build their fat reserves before hibernation so leaving out food is one of the simplest ways to attract them into the garden. They love insects such as beetles, earthworms and snails. You can also leave out meat-based cat food, specialist hedgehog food or plain and dry cat biscuits. Since hedgehogs are mainly active at night, place the food outside during the evenings.
Leave out fresh water by providing a shallow dish of clean water somewhere quiet and sheltered and be sure to change the water daily.
Provide shelter and make gaps
Hedgehogs need somewhere quiet and sheltered to rest during the day so they can eventually hibernate. Consider leaving one area of your garden untidy with piles of leaves, logs and branches for hedgehogs to hide and rest. You can also buy or build a hedgehog house to create a dedicated area for them.
These furry-friends can travel surprisingly far at night when on the hunt for food and water. Leaving a small opening at the bottom of gates and fences allows hedgehogs to move freely between gardens without going near busy roads or dangerous areas. A gap of 13cm by 13cm is usually an ideal size.
Avoid harmful chemicals
If you’re actively trying to invite hedgehogs into your garden, reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals. These can harm hedgehogs directly and also get rid of the insects they rely on for food.
