Hedgehog Friendly Garden
Article written by: Chloe Hutton - Dunfermline Greenspace Volunteer
(Reproduced with permission)
What are hedgehogs and why should you care?
Hedgehogs are mammals which belong to the Erinaceidae family. Hedgehogs are found all across Britain other than some of the islands and some areas that have mount sides, uplands and can be uncommonly found in pine forests and wetlands. Hedgehog numbers have been on a massive decline for the last 60 years. According to www.bbc.co.uk “Around 60 years ago, 36 million were snuffling around in UK gardens. Now there are thought to be closer to one million left.” I think that people should care because not only are they one of our iconic species, but they are also known as the gardener’s friend as they help out with the plants in your garden. They are also good for the environment. I also think that they are adorable and feel sorry that they are on the decline.
How do hedgehogs help in the garden?
Hedgehogs can help out the plants that you are growing due to slugs, beetles and worms as well as some other insects being a part of their diet that they will naturally eat.
How to make gardens safe for hedgehogs?
To make your garden safe for hedgehogs make sure that any water that you have in your garden is safe for them. For example, if you have a pond in your garden make sure that you put steps in it so that any hedgehog that falls in the pond has an easy way out of it. Another common thing that is unsafe for hedgehogs is drains; an easy way to make the drain safe for hedgehogs is to cover any drains with a lid. Other things which aren’t safe for hedgehogs are things like compost bags, plastic bags and bailer twine. Make sure that any bags that you need are stored somewhere where the hedgehogs can’t get to it or put in the bin if you no longer need them. Don’t use anything like slug pellets or pesticides in your garden as they have been known to kill hedgehogs. Other items in the garden which can be unsafe for hedgehogs are flower pots if they are small because hedgehogs can get stuck in them. One of the biggest causes of hedgehog deaths and injuries in the garden are both lawnmowers and strimmers so make sure that you or whoever does the garden check for any hedgehogs that could be sleeping/hibernating. According to https://www.rhs.org.uk/wildlife/hedgehog-friendly-gardening , “Hedgehogs also like to take refuge in seed/potting compost so be particularly careful when forking or turning over your compost pile.” Make sure you check for them and other wildlife before you rake your compost. Another hedgehog hazard which can happen in gardens is bonfires.
What foods are safe for hedgehogs?
If you have a cat/cats dry cat biscuits as well as wet cat food can be given to feed the hedgehogs. To make sure that you don’t accidentally feed someone else’s cat, make sure that the food is in a sheltered spot that has a gap that only a hedgehog can fit into. You could also buy hedgehog food as some retailers have hedgehog food. NEVER LEAVE OUT BREAD OR MILK. Both bread and milk causes hedgehogs to have diarrhea and other digestive upsets.
Who can I contact about hedgehogs?
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Tel: 01584 890 801 Email: info@britishhedgehogs.org.uk
Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3PL.
Forth Hedgehog Hospital
142 Middlebank Street
Rosyth
KY11 2NJ
Telephone: 07815 914912
Other Hedgehog Rescue Info:
Forth Hedgehog Hospital
https://www.hedgehoghospital.org.uk/
Forth Hedgehog Hospital, Scottish Charity SC043091 | 07815914912 | queries@hedgehoghospital.org.uk
Burntisland Hedgehog Haven
https://www.burntislandhedgehoghaven.co.uk/
Tel: 07577 000328
Email: burntislandhedgehoghaven@gmail.com
Extra Tip:
If you have a fence in your garden that may prevent hedgehogs and frogs from being able to move between gardens:
Please consider making a small hole in your fence between your garden and your neighbour’s garden (with your neighbour’s permission) to let these animals move freely.
*This is a photo that I got of a hedgehog last year when I was out with my telescope.