Hedgehogs are highly active in June, making it an ideal time to attract them to your garden. Leaving out a simple item can encourage them to visit regularly throughout the summer.
Why June Is Key for Hedgehogs
This month marks the peak of the breeding and birthing season. Adult males roam and forage during the mating rut, while females often give birth to their first litters of "hoglets." With hedgehogs so active, now is the perfect time to support them.
The One Item That Brings Hedgehogs Back
According to Pim Dickson, Senior Horticultural Content Manager at Fothergill's, leaving a shallow bowl of fresh water outdoors can make a significant difference. Hedgehogs are prone to dehydration and will seek out clean water sources. Supplying water is one of the most effective ways to encourage these nocturnal visitors to return.
How to Provide Water Safely
- Use shallow bowls, such as terracotta plant pot saucers, to prevent drowning.
- Place pebbles inside to stop water from spilling and to allow insects to drink safely.
- Keep the water fresh and clean the dish regularly.
- If you have a pond, ensure gently sloping edges or a chicken wire ramp for safe access, as hedgehogs tire easily and can drown.
Additional Tips for a Hedgehog-Friendly Garden
Pim Dickson also recommends building or buying a hedgehog house. Place it in a shady spot, as hedgehogs dislike heat, and ensure it is inaccessible to dogs. Hedgehogs have large territories and patrol at night, so create gaps at the bottom of fences to allow them and other small creatures to roam freely.
To maintain a healthy hedgehog population, avoid using pesticides, especially slug pellets, as they can poison hedgehogs. A diverse garden ecosystem naturally provides food like slugs, worms, and small insects. However, fresh water can be scarce, making your water bowl essential.
Be cautious with strimmers: always check areas of dense undergrowth where hedgehogs may be hiding, and leave such areas undisturbed if possible.
What Not to Do
Never leave milk out for hedgehogs, as it can cause severe digestive problems and may be fatal. Stick to fresh water only.
