How to help Hedgehogs in your garden
Hedgehogs are one of the UK's favourite mammals. However hedgehogs are now struggling more than ever. In 2022, a report on Britain's hedgehogs revealed they have declined by between 30-75% since 2000.
All about Hedgehogs
European hedgehogs are small mammals found across the UK. They are very easy to spot thanks to their protective coat of spines, which are actually modified hairs known as quills. They shed these and grow new ones to replace them. They have about 7,000 spines When threatened they roll themselves into a ball of spines.
Habitat
They are found in a variety habitat such as woodlands, parkland and even urban settings
Conservation status
Hedgehogs are one of the UK's favourite mammals. However hedgehogs are now struggling more than ever. In 2022, a report on Britain's hedgehogs revealed they have declined by between 30-75% since 2000.
What do Hedgehogs eat?
They eat all invertebrates as well as amphibians, birds eggs and anything else they can catch; they particularly like big, crunchy beetles and earthworms, making them a gardener's best friend. They often love long grass full of insects to feast on one the sun is set
How to identify
The hedgehog is a very unique animal in the UK it is brown and round, with yellow tipped spines. They are mainly nocturnal. Their droppings are medium sized black droppings which are made up of insect bits
How can you help hedgehogs?
- You can make small gaps in your fences or hedges to let hedgehogs use your garden as a runway
-
You can create organic wild spaces, leafy corners and log piles where they can forage for natural foods, like grubs and insects.
-
To supplement their diet in the wild, you can offer hedgehogs a good quality meaty hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food or dry biscuits for cats.
- You can also use hedgehog homes which are perfect for hedgehogs to hibernate in or even just so they can have a place to stay. These will be available on our online shop soon or you can contact us.