Sometimes helping hedgehogs is necessary if they need it, especially when they come out of hibernation during springtime. Hedgehogs are an essential part of the garden, plus they are just wonderful to spot amongst the plants. Did you know that hedgehogs eat some garden pests? This can really help you to keep your garden thriving and pest-free. Occasionally, hedgehogs need an extra special hand if they are injured or young and unable to feed. There is plenty you can do to give a hand to the happy hedgehogs in your garden.
Helping hedgehogs with homes
There are a few ways to make homes for your neighbourhood hedgehogs, from pre-built ones that you can purchase in many shapes and sizes to getting your tools out and making your own DIY hedgehog box. Hedgehogs like to rest in quiet areas that are also dry. If you create a log or leaf pile and leave a gap under your shed, you may well find a hedgehog enjoying it. If you don’t have any natural areas, buying or making a hedgehog box is really helpful.
Creating ‘highways’ for helping hedgehogs
Hedgehogs can roam for up to a whole mile each night! That’s quite some distance for a little creature as they rustle through the undergrowth looking for food and safety. If you make a ‘highway’ you are allowing them to roam freely and find the places that they need. Leave a gap at the bottom of your fence or a small hole, especially so they can climb in and out. If you like in a neighbourhood with lots of close gardens and fences, you could even run an initiative to get everyone to do the same, and you could all be enjoying watching your local hedgehogs travelling along your highway.
Helping hedgehogs with food and water
Leaving shallow dishes of water out near to places where they will hide, such as log piles, holes and hedgehog homes, is an easy way to ensure they have some freshwater for their evening travels. Hedgehog food can be bought as well, which will be the ideal mix of nutrients to keep them thriving, or you could put some cat or dog food out as well. They will be very thankful.
Hedgehog numbers are in decline, so it is a perfect thing to help them as best we can to stop them from declining further. You may notice little footprints or droppings, so you know a hedgehog has been in your garden. If you find one that is injured or struggling somehow, there are dedicated wildlife organisations that can take them in and rehabilitate them before releasing them back into the local environment.
