Hedgehog Heroes: 10 Ways You Can Make a Difference
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 keeping our gardens healthy by feeding on pests like slugs and insects.
Their quiet, nocturnal wanderings make them a delightful sight for nature lovers, and they’ve long held a special place in British wildlife. By helping hedgehogs thrive, we’re not only protecting a beloved species but also supporting the balance of our local ecosystems.
With just a few simple actions, we can make our gardens welcoming havens for these endearing animals and ensure they continue to be a part of our natural world for generations to come.
Environmental Scientist Marten Lewis, Director of sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort shares his tips for helping hedgehogs.
1. Make a hedgehog highway
Create space for hedgehogs to move between gardens by creating a gap between fences, so they can roam and find food more easily; about 13cm wide and 13cm high is ideal.
2. Be water aware
Thirsty hedgehogs will appreciate a shallow dish of water left out for them to drink from, especially in warmer weather.
3. Check before gardening
Carry out a quick check before any potentially dangerous tools are used in the garden like a lawnmower, garden fork, or strimmer. A hedgehog might be hiding in areas like long grass, under hedges or in the compost heap.
4. Bonfire checks
A pile of unwanted wood for the bonfire can be an attractive place for hedgehogs, so always check that one hasn’t crawled underneath before lighting it. Ideally, bonfires should be made on the same day as planned to be burned or move the pile before lighting it.
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5. Choose chemical-free treatments
Did you know that crushed eggshells and coffee grounds can be used as natural alternatives to slug pellets and pesticides? These are much safer options for curious hedgehogs who might get sick from shop-bought treatments.
6. Remove litter
Clear away litter, cut up plastic rings, and remove all other potential hazards that can entangle or trap hedgehogs.
7. Leave natural shelters
Thoroughly tidying up the garden is tempting but leaving some wild areas, log piles, leaf piles, and compost heaps can be useful for hedgehogs as they might provide shelter and attract insects that they can eat.
8. Provide extra food
Help to make it easy for hedgehogs to find food by leaving out meaty jelly-based cat or dog food in a shallow dish. Special hedgehog food can be bought but it tends to be more expensive.
9. Be accident-aware
Hedgehogs can be fearless so make sure that any garden pond has a way hedgehogs can climb out if they accidentally fall in, like a ramp made from a piece of wood, or a stone that emerges from the water. Keep domestic drains covered, hedgehogs can sometimes fall into them and get stuck.
10. Tie up nets
Store netting safely after it’s used, like football goals, pea nets, cricket nets, or any other type of net; tie them up and out of harm’s way when you’re finished with them, as it’s easy for hedgehogs to get tangled.
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