Want to invite some adorable hedgehogs to your garden? 🦔🌳 These little creatures aren’t just cute; they’re also fantastic natural pest controllers, munching away on slugs, snails, and insects that can harm your plants. Plus, helping hedgehogs is a wonderful way to support a species in decline!
Hedgehogs are often seen in gardens during the night from April to October, though they might pop by during the day, especially in summer. Spotting one at other times, particularly in cooler months, may indicate they’re unwell and in need of help. So, how can you make your garden a hedgehog haven?
Gardening expert Deb shared a simple tip on TikTok: create a hedgehog highway! If your garden is fenced, ensure there’s a gap in the fence or under the gate to allow these wanderers to roam freely. Hedgehogs can travel up to a mile each night in search of food and shelter.
Provide them with safe resting places like a log pile, compost heap, or a purpose-built hedgehog house in a shaded part of your garden. These spots are perfect for nesting and hibernation. And remember, when offering refreshments, stick to water — milk is a no-go for hedgehogs! You can even scatter some special hedgehog biscuits to give them a tasty treat.
Another top tip: if your garden lacks leafy trees, it might be worth planting some. Hedgehogs love gardens with leafy trees, which offer both food and shelter.
By offering these essentials, you’re not only attracting these charming critters but also providing them with a tranquil environment to flourish. Log piles, in particular, are a hit since they offer food (hello, beetles and woodlice!) and protection from predators. So why not transform a corner of your garden into a “wild corner” filled with logs, leaves, and garden waste? It’s a small change that can make a big difference! 🌿🌙