How To Help Hedgehogs In Your Garden

During an average night a hedgehog will often travel 1-2 miles and pass through around 20 gardens.

You can help their progress by cutting a hole in the base of your fence.

Although primarily nocturnal adventurers there are times when they will be out and about during the day. This is more common in the breeding season, May to September.

Hedgehogs will often be found sleeping under hedges (the clue is in the name!). They can also be found in long grass, log piles, bonfires etc.

If you are going to light a bonfire please build it just before you light it. If it has been sitting around, a hedgehog may have decided to nest in it.

Cutting tools - Mowers, Strimmers, Hedgecutters

Every year many hogs are injured, often fatally, by garden cutting tools. Please check in long grass and edges for hedgehogs before you begin.

Also be careful moving bonfires or compost heaps. Do not just plunge a fork in before checking.

Netting

Hedgehogs have very poor eyesight and rely on their keen sense of smell to navigate.

Any sort of net is a real risk as once tangled up they find it impossible to escape.

If you are growing peas, soft fruit etc up nets, please raise the net above ground level so that they can pass underneath.

Raising the net 10-12 inches will not affect the support properties for your fruit and veg but can save a hog.

If using nets, like football goals with nets, please put these away after use.

Litter

Photo courtesy of London Colney Hedgehog Rescue

Pick up litter especially anything that is a tube, bottle, cup, ring, sling, rubber band, netting, six-pack holders for beer cans, and of course broken glass or other sharp objects.

If you have builders on your property: Check every evening that nothing dangerous was left behind.

If you find a hedgehog that is trapped in tube or netting do not try to remove it yourself. Call a rescue or a vet.

Even if you manage to remove the obstacle, the hedgehog needs to be checked out because constriction wounds may not be visible.

Ponds

Hedgehogs can swim but they can't climb sheer surfaces.

If you have a pond that doesn't have sloping sides, please provide a way for them to get out.

A ramp or a few rocks at differing heights to make a stone staircase will work.

Poisons

Weedkillers and pesticides are bad news for hedgehogs.

Small hedgehogs can find their way into "professional" rat traps.

Please don't leave open paint tins in the garden over night, or tins with paint running down the sides.

Fresh wood preserver can attract hedgehogs who may lick this.

It is better to treat your fences at the beginning of the day, not just before night falls. This will allow it to dry before hedgehogs are out and about.

If you want to encourage hedgehogs into your garden then consider feeding them and build a hedgehog house. We have details here.