Over the past few years, the UK has seen a steady decline in the number of hedgehogs seen. Given this worrying fact, it is more important than ever to give these spiky critters a helping hand over the coming months by ensuring that you care for them in the best possible way.
The decline of hedgehogs is thought to be because of a number of factors from the increased road traffic, chemicals such as slug pellets and insecticides being used in gardens, and even hibernation if the weather becomes too cold during winter or their nest becomes disturbed.
Our gardens make the perfect habitat, not just for wild birds, but for hedgehogs too. So, if you'd like to encourage hedgehogs into your garden, simply follow the simple advice below:
Hedgehogs are always on the hunt for food. You can encourage hedgehogs into your garden by providing a regular hearty meal that will keep them coming back for more. There is a range of Hedgehog Feed available to purchase from dried biscuits to nutritious blends, stocked by all major retailers of wildlife food.Gardens make great hedgehog habitats. Pile up logs, leaves, straw and twigs in a quiet part of your garden, ensuring this area remains undisturbed. It is recommended that a Hedgehog Box or Hogitat is provided for even greater protection.Ensure your garden is easily accessible to hedgehogs, if you have a walled garden it is suggested that you remove a brick, making a hole in the fence or tunnelling underneath so that hedgehogs can easily slip through in search of food or a mate.It should be remembered that hedgehogs often hibernate in compost heaps and piles of logs or twigs, which are intended for bonfires. With this in mind, please be sure to check these for sleeping hedgehogs before lighting or disposing of.You may not know that hedgehogs are actually great for ridding your garden of unwanted pests such as slugs, snails and insects. But be sure not to use any chemical insecticides or pellets which could seriously harm hedgehogs.Like any living creature, hedgehogs need water to survive. With this in mind, you should look to provide a good supply of fresh water and change this as often as you can, ideally daily. Make sure that no pets have access to this, as they could use up the supply of water without you realising.
If you need more advice, there are plenty of Hedgehog Guides available to buy in shops and a range of information available online, just do a search on Google for 'Caring for Hedgehogs'.
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