Helping Our Declining Hedgehog Population

By consuming a variety of garden pests such as slugs, beetles, and caterpillars, hedgehogs act as natural pest controllers, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. Their presence indicates a healthy and diverse garden, contributing to the overall biodiversity. Additionally, hedgehogs are prey for larger predators, thereby fitting into the food chain and supporting the ecological balance.

The current state of the Hedgehog population

Despite their ecological importance, hedgehog numbers have been in steep decline across the UK. Over the past few decades, the hedgehog population has plummeted by as much as 50% in rural areas and 30% in urban regions. This alarming decrease can be attributed to several factors:

Habitat Loss: Urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and the destruction of hedgerows have significantly reduced the natural habitats available for hedgehogs.
Pesticides and Chemicals: The widespread use of slug pellets and other chemicals in gardens and farmlands has led to poisoning and reduced food sources for hedgehogs.
Road Traffic: Increasing road networks and traffic volumes result in a high number of hedgehog fatalities.
Climate Change: Altered weather patterns affect the availability of food and suitable hibernation sites.

Avoid use of Slug pellets

How Slug pellets harm Hedgehogs

Slug pellets, often used by gardeners to control slug populations, pose a significant threat to hedgehogs. These pellets contain chemicals such as metaldehyde, which are toxic to hedgehogs. When hedgehogs consume slugs and snails that have ingested slug pellets, they ingest the toxins as well. This can lead to severe illness and even death. The decline in hedgehog populations has been partly attributed to the widespread use of these harmful chemicals in gardens.

Natural alternatives to Slug pellets

There are several natural and safe alternatives to slug pellets that can help control slug populations without endangering hedgehogs. One effective method is using nematodes, microscopic worms that parasitise and kill slugs. These can be introduced to the garden soil and provide long-lasting slug control.

Another alternative is the use of beer traps. By burying a shallow container filled with beer at ground level, slugs are attracted to the yeast and drown in the liquid. Copper tape or barriers can also be placed around plants to deter slugs due to their aversion to copper.

Tips on creating a Hedgehog-friendly garden

Creating a hedgehog-friendly garden involves adopting practices that minimise the use of harmful chemicals. Here are some tips:

Encourage natural predators

Attracting natural predators like birds and frogs to your garden can help keep the slug population in check. Planting a variety of shrubs and flowers provides shelter and food sources for these beneficial creatures.

Companion planting

Certain plants, such as garlic, chives, and mint, act as natural repellents to slugs. Incorporating these into your garden layout can reduce the need for chemical controls.

Regular maintenance

Keeping your garden tidy by removing excess debris and regularly trimming plants can reduce slug habitats. Creating rough surfaces with gravel or mulch around plant beds can also deter slugs from reaching your plants.

By avoiding slug pellets and adopting these hedgehog-friendly practices, you can create a safer environment for hedgehogs while effectively managing slug populations in your garden.

Create nesting areas

Providing safe nesting sites for hedgehogs is crucial to their survival, particularly as their natural habitats continue to diminish. A well-planned garden can offer hedgehogs the sanctuary they need to breed, hibernate, and stay safe from predators and human activities.

Importance of providing safe nesting sites for Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs rely on secure nesting areas for hibernation and raising their young. Without these safe havens, their chances of survival diminish significantly. By creating nesting areas, we can help stabilise and potentially increase their declining population.

Ideas for creating Natural Shelters

There are several ways to create natural shelters for hedgehogs within your garden:

Logs and leaves

A simple and effective method is to pile logs and leaves in a quiet corner of your garden. This provides an ideal environment for hedgehogs to nest and find food.

Compost heaps

Another excellent option is to maintain a compost heap. Not only do compost heaps provide warmth during the colder months, but they also attract insects, offering an additional food source for hedgehogs.

Instructions for building or purchasing a Hedgehog house

If you prefer a more structured approach, consider building or purchasing a hedgehog house. These houses offer extra protection from the elements and predators.

Building a Hedgehog house

To build a hedgehog house, use untreated wood to construct a small, ventilated box with an entrance tunnel. The tunnel should be just wide enough for a hedgehog to enter, preventing larger predators from getting inside.

Purchasing a Hedgehog house

Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-made hedgehog house from wildlife conservation organisations or garden centres. These houses are specifically designed to meet the needs of hedgehogs.

Placement and maintenance Tips for nesting areas

Once you've created or bought a hedgehog house, the placement is key. Position the house in a quiet, sheltered part of your garden, preferably against a wall or fence. Cover it with leaves or compost to further insulate and camouflage it.

Maintenance

Regularly check the nesting area to ensure it's clean and safe. Remove any debris that might block the entrance and refresh the bedding material periodically.

By following these tips and providing safe nesting areas, you can create a welcoming environment for hedgehogs, helping to support their population and ensuring these charming creatures continue to thrive in your garden.

Checking rubbish before burning

Burning rubbish piles is a common practice in many gardens and rural areas. However, it poses significant risks to hedgehogs and other wildlife. Hedgehogs often seek refuge in piles of leaves, twigs, and other garden debris, making them vulnerable to injury or death when these piles are set alight. By following a few simple steps, we can ensure the safety of these beloved creatures.

Risks associated with burning rubbish piles

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and often look for shelter during the day in undisturbed piles of garden waste. When rubbish piles are burnt without checking, hedgehogs hiding within can suffer severe burns, smoke inhalation, or even death. This not only impacts individual animals but also contributes to the decline of the overall hedgehog population.

Steps to safely check and move hedgehogs before burning

To protect hedgehogs, it is crucial to thoroughly check rubbish piles before setting them alight. Follow these steps to ensure safety:

Inspect the Pile: Gently lift and move sections of the pile with a rake or long-handled tool to check for hedgehogs or other wildlife. Be thorough, as hedgehogs can curl up and become quite difficult to spot.
Relocate Hedgehogs Safely: If you find a hedgehog, carefully pick it up using gloves or a thick cloth to avoid injury. Place the hedgehog in a safe, sheltered area away from the fire site.
Rebuild the Pile: After checking, if you need to burn the rubbish, consider rebuilding the pile in a different location to give any undetected wildlife a chance to escape.

Alternative disposal methods to avoid potential harm to Wildlife

Instead of burning rubbish piles, consider these alternative methods to dispose of garden waste:

Composting: Composting is an eco-friendly way to dispose of garden waste. It enriches the soil and provides a natural habitat for beneficial insects and organisms.
Council Collection: Many local councils offer garden waste collection services. Utilise these services to dispose of garden debris safely.
Shredding and Mulching: Use a garden shredder to break down larger branches and leaves. The mulch can be used to nourish your garden beds and improve soil health.

By adopting these practices, we can significantly reduce the risk to hedgehogs and other wildlife while maintaining our gardens.

Use fencing with Hedgehog access boards

Traditional fencing can often create barriers that trap hedgehogs and limit their movement, severely impacting their ability to forage for food, find mates, and access nesting sites. These small creatures typically roam up to two kilometres each night, and an impermeable fence can block their natural routes, leading to decreased survival rates.

Benefits of installing Hedgehog access boards

Installing hedgehog access boards, also known as hedgehog highways, in your fencing can provide a simple yet effective solution. These small holes, roughly 13cm by 13cm, allow hedgehogs to pass freely between gardens, helping to create a connected network of habitats. This connectivity is crucial for maintaining a healthy hedgehog population, as it supports their natural behaviour and promotes genetic diversity. Additionally, these access points do not compromise the security or aesthetic of your garden.

How to create or purchase Hedgehog-friendly fencing solutions

Creating hedgehog access boards can be a straightforward DIY project. Simply cut a small hole at the base of your fence or gate, ensuring it is large enough for a hedgehog to pass through but small enough to prevent pets from escaping. If DIY is not your preference, there are commercial options available. Many garden centres and online retailers offer pre-made hedgehog access boards that can be easily installed into existing fences. Look for products endorsed by wildlife organisations to ensure they meet the recommended specifications.

Ensuring neighbours are also informed and involved

Creating an effective hedgehog pathway requires collaboration with your neighbours. Inform them about the importance of these access points and encourage them to install similar solutions in their fences. Sharing information about the benefits of hedgehog highways and providing practical advice can help build a community-wide effort to support local wildlife. Consider organising a neighbourhood meeting or distributing informational leaflets to raise awareness and promote collective action.

By adopting these measures, you can make a significant difference in supporting the hedgehog population, creating a safer and more accessible environment for these charming and vital creatures.

Ensure ponds have shallow edges

The Danger ponds pose to Hedgehogs and other Wildlife

Ponds with steep edges can be perilous for hedgehogs and other small wildlife. Hedgehogs often fall into ponds while seeking water or attempting to cross them. Once in the water, they can struggle to escape if the pond’s edges are too steep, leading to exhaustion, drowning, or injury. This danger underscores the importance of designing ponds that consider the needs and safety of garden wildlife.

Tips for creating shallow edges or adding ramps to existing ponds

To mitigate these risks, consider the following tips:

Creating shallow edges

Gradual Slopes: When constructing a new pond, incorporate gradual slopes along the edges. This allows hedgehogs and other small animals to climb out easily if they fall in.
Shelving: Create shelves or ledges at different depths within the pond. These provide stepping stones for wildlife to exit the water safely.
Soft Linings: Use soil or gravel to create natural, non-slippery surfaces that are easier for animals to grip.

Adding ramps to existing ponds

Wooden or Stone Ramps: Place ramps made of untreated wood or stone leading from the pond’s bottom to the top of the edge. Ensure they are secure and have a gentle incline.
Floating Platforms: Install floating platforms that wildlife can use to rest and climb out of the water. These can be tethered to the pond’s edge to prevent them from drifting.

Benefits of Wildlife-friendly ponds for the Garden ecosystem

Wildlife-friendly ponds do more than just protect hedgehogs; they enhance the entire garden ecosystem. Ponds with shallow edges encourage a diverse range of wildlife, including amphibians, insects, and birds. These creatures contribute to a balanced ecosystem by controlling pests, pollinating plants, and enriching the soil. Moreover, observing a thriving pond can bring immense joy and a sense of connection to nature.

Maintenance tips to keep Ponds safe and accessible for Hedgehogs

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure ponds remain safe for hedgehogs and other wildlife:

Clear Debris: Regularly remove debris such as leaves and twigs that can accumulate and pose a drowning hazard.
Check Ramps and Edges: Inspect ramps and edges frequently to ensure they remain secure and effective.
Monitor Water Levels: Keep an eye on water levels, particularly during hot weather, to ensure ramps and shallow areas remain accessible.
Plant Vegetation: Plant native aquatic plants around the pond to provide cover and additional exit points for wildlife.

By taking these steps, you can create a safe, welcoming environment for hedgehogs and other wildlife, contributing to their conservation and enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.