By Jill Dando News and Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort
Hedgehogs are charming and gentle creatures that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our gardens by feasting on common pests like slugs and insects. Their quiet, nocturnal wanderings have made them a beloved sight for nature lovers and a treasured part of British wildlife. By helping hedgehogs thrive, we’re not only protecting a much-loved species but also supporting the delicate balance of our local ecosystems.
With just a few simple actions, we can turn our gardens into welcoming havens for these endearing animals, ensuring that hedgehogs continue to be a vital part of our natural world for generations to come.
Environmental scientist Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort, shares his top tips for helping hedgehogs in your garden:
1. Make a Hedgehog Highway
Create small gaps—about 13cm wide and 13cm high—in fences to allow hedgehogs to move freely between gardens. This helps them roam safely and find food more easily.
2. Be Water Aware
A shallow dish of fresh water can be a lifesaver, especially during warm weather. Hedgehogs appreciate an easily accessible water source to stay hydrated.
3. Check Before Gardening
Before using garden tools like lawnmowers, forks, or strimmers, take a moment to check for any hiding hedgehogs. They often shelter in long grass, under hedges, or inside compost heaps.
4. Bonfire Checks
Piles of wood or garden debris are attractive hiding spots for hedgehogs. Always check before lighting bonfires to ensure no hedgehogs have crawled underneath. Ideally, build bonfires on the day you plan to burn them, or move the pile just before lighting.
5. Choose Chemical-Free Treatments
Instead of harmful slug pellets and pesticides, try natural alternatives like crushed eggshells or coffee grounds. These are much safer for hedgehogs, who can become very ill from chemical exposure.
6. Remove Litter
Clear away litter, cut up plastic rings, and any other items that could trap or entangle hedgehogs. Keeping your garden tidy helps keep them safe.
7. Leave Natural Shelters
Resist the urge to tidy every corner of your garden. Leaving wild areas, log piles, leaf heaps, and compost mounds provides shelter and attracts insects that hedgehogs love to eat.
8. Provide Extra Food
Help hedgehogs by leaving out meaty, jelly-based cat or dog food in a shallow dish. Special hedgehog food is also available, though it tends to be more costly.
9. Be Accident-Aware
Hedgehogs can be fearless explorers. If you have a garden pond, ensure there’s a ramp or a stone for them to climb out if they fall in. Also, keep domestic drains covered, as hedgehogs sometimes fall into them and can get trapped.
10. Tie Up Nets
After using netting—whether for football goals, peas, or cricket—always store it safely and out of reach. Loose nets pose a serious entanglement risk for hedgehogs.