🐾 Help Save Our Hedgehogs! 🦔
Did you know there are fewer than one million hedgehogs left in the UK today? That’s a shocker compared to the 30 million back in the 1950s! As these adorable creatures prepare for hibernation, they need our help more than ever.
Here’s how you can make a difference in your garden this autumn:
1. **Create a Hedgehog Highway**: Leave small gaps in fences so hedgehogs can roam freely. It’s like building a little motorway in your backyard just for them!
2. **Build a Cosy Shelter**: A pile of leaves or logs can provide the perfect hibernation hideaway. Better yet, consider a hedgehog house to keep them snug all winter.
3. **Set Up a Hedgehog Café**: Establish a safe feeding spot using a sturdy box and leave out food like plain kitten biscuits or meat-based cat food. Remember, never feed hedgehogs bread or milk – they need water and nutritionally dense food.
4. **Leave Out Fresh Water**: A shallow dish of water can be a lifesaver, helping hedgehogs stay hydrated as natural sources dry up.
5. **Avoid Harmful Chemicals**: Say no to slug pellets and pesticides that can harm hedgehogs if ingested.
6. **Watch for Signs of Distress**: If you spot a hedgehog active during the day, it might need help. Look out for signs like lethargy or wobbling and contact local rescue groups if necessary.
Hibernation poses a tough challenge for hedgehogs, with risks from predators, starvation, and freezing temperatures. Even a tiny gesture can make a big impact, potentially saving thousands of hedgehogs and helping them thrive until spring.
Let’s all band together and support these little garden warriors! Share your hedgehog-friendly garden tips in the comments and inspire others to join in! 🌿💕 #HedgehogHaven #SaveTheHedgehogs