How to help hedgehogs

As autumn draws closer, and the breeding season for hedgehogs comes to an end, the young leave their mothers in search of independence. Their first time alone in the wild can be challenging as the autumn and winter months see their food supply (insects, worms, slugs and other garden creatures) beginning to dwindle. If they lack this food they can die during hibernation, so as the weather turns colder it’s good for them to have a comfy garden spot to nest in. In addition, being a key predator of garden pests such as caterpillars, snails and slugs, hedgehogs really are a gardener’s best friends so it’s worth making your garden a habitat they can explore with ease.

Making your garden a safe haven for hedgehogs

• To create a safe environment for them, try to avoid using slug pellets and other pesticides, which can poison hedgehogs. However, if you really must use them then it’s a good idea to place the pellets under a large piece of slate so that they become inaccessible to the hedgehog. Or use organic pellets, many of which will not harm hedgehogs and other wildlife - check the packaging before you buy.
• Long grass and shrubbery are prime nesting locations for hedgehogs, so always check thoroughly before strimming or using a lawnmower.
• During autumn, when young hedgehogs are likely to be roaming around your garden, it’s a good idea to cover your garden pond as hedgehogs, are prone to falling in and are unable to climb back out. This is easy to do - simply place some chicken wire over the pond's surface and weigh it down with rocks.

Encouraging hedgehogs into your garden

• One way to attract these friendly creatures is to place a wooden nesting box in your garden. Cover the box in vegetation and place in a secluded corner. You can buy nesting boxes here or why not try making one yourself. Alternatively, you can leave an area of your garden to grow wild, as hedgehogs like to nest in long grass, shrubs, flowers and nettles.
• Place a small dish of dog or cat food (although no fish varieties) alongside some water to encourage hedgehogs into your garden.
• If you have a garden wall or fence, remove a brick from the bottom or cut a hole (roughly 15cm/6in in diameter). This will allow the hedgehog to roam freely in and out of the garden.