As the crisp November air settles in, Britain's beloved hedgehogs are embarking on a critical mission: preparing for their long winter hibernation. These charming, spiky creatures are a welcome sight in any garden, yet their populations are facing a steep and worrying decline.
The Plight of the British Hedgehog
The Western European hedgehog is now classified as 'Near Threatened', with its British counterpart officially listed as 'Vulnerable' on the UK's red list of mammals. This alarming status is primarily driven by widespread habitat loss and relentless urban development, making our gardens more important than ever as vital sanctuaries.
During autumn, hedgehogs enter a phase of intense foraging, known as 'hyperphagia,' where they must consume enough food to build up the crucial fat reserves needed to survive their dormant period. By providing a reliable food source, you can play a direct role in their survival.
Create a Hedgehog Haven in Minutes
While putting out food is beneficial, a social media expert has revealed a simple yet revolutionary method to make your help far more effective. Nik Mitchell, who shared his advice on TikTok, demonstrates how to build a 'hedgehog feeding station' using a single, common item: a plastic storage box.
The process is straightforward and requires minimal tools. Nik cuts a 5-inch (approximately 13cm) hole at one end of the box to serve as an entrance. The key to this design is a small block of wood glued in the middle, just inside the entrance. This clever addition acts as a baffle, preventing larger predators like foxes and cats from squeezing in to steal the food or harm the hedgehogs, while still allowing the small mammals free access.
This enclosed feeding station offers significant advantages over simply scattering food on the lawn. It keeps the food dry and prevents it from attracting unwanted pests such as rats, creating a dedicated and secure dining area for your nocturnal visitors.
What and How to Feed Your Spiky Guests
Knowing what to put inside your new hedgehog haven is just as important as the haven itself. In the wild, a hedgehog's diet consists mainly of insects like beetles, caterpillars, and worms. Replicating this naturally is difficult, so experts recommend specific alternatives.
The easiest option is to buy a specialist hedgehog feed, which is formulated to contain all the necessary nutrients they require. However, The Wildlife Trust notes that this food is not regulated, so it's wise to check the ingredients label carefully.
A great and cost-effective alternative is to use meat-based wet cat or dog food, or plain kitten biscuits. If you have pets at home, this can be a convenient solution. Crucially, you must always provide a shallow bowl of fresh water. It is vital to remember that you should never leave out milk for hedgehogs, as they are lactose intolerant and it can make them very ill.
Contrary to popular belief, your help may be needed beyond November. Hedgehogs do not sleep solidly through the entire winter. They periodically wake up and may venture out to search for food on milder nights, so maintaining your feeding station can be a lifeline.
As Nik Mitchell explained in his video, 'While hedgehogs can forage for food on their own, supplementary feeding is crucial, particularly during times when their natural food sources are dwindling.'
To optimise your help, follow these final tips from The Wildlife Trust: put out fresh food at dusk, remove any uneaten food that might spoil in the morning, and consider moving the feeding spot occasionally to mimic natural foraging and reduce competition. Most importantly, always ensure dogs cannot interact with visiting hedgehogs, as dog bites are a sadly common cause of serious injury.
