Helping Our Prickly Friends: Supporting Gnosall's Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are a delightful and beneficial presence in Gnosall gardens, munching on pesky insects and slugs. However, these charming creatures are in decline, and they need our help. Here's how you can turn your garden into a hedgehog haven.

Create a Safe Haven

Start by ensuring your garden is a safe place for hedgehogs. Check for hazards such as open drains or holes they could fall into and cover them up. Keep an eye out for hedgehogs before using lawnmowers or strimmers, as they can cause severe injuries to the unsuspecting creatures.

Build a Hedgehog Highway

Hedgehogs roam between 1-2 km each night. To aid their nocturnal wanderings, create a 'hedgehog highway' by making 13cm x 13cm (5in x 5in) gaps at the bottom of your fences. This allows them to pass freely between gardens in search of food, mates, and nesting sites.

Provide a Home

You can encourage hedgehogs to take up residence by providing a home for them. You can either build a hedgehog house or buy a pre-made one. Place it in a quiet corner of your garden, ideally covered with leaves and debris to make it more inviting.

Leave Out Food and Water

Hedgehogs are often hungry and providing a shallow dish of water and food can be a lifeline. Suitable foods include meaty cat or dog food, specially formulated hedgehog food, and crushed cat biscuits. Avoid giving them milk or bread, as these can cause health issues.

Create a Wild Corner

Let a corner of your garden go wild to provide a natural habitat for hedgehogs and the insects they feed on. Piles of leaves, logs, and compost are perfect for foraging hedgehogs and can also encourage them to nest.

Check for Hedgehogs Before Bonfires

Always check piles of leaves and logs for sleeping hedgehogs before lighting a bonfire. It's best to build the bonfire on the day it will be lit to avoid any creatures taking residence.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can poison hedgehogs and reduce their food supply. Try to manage your garden pests naturally without chemicals, which is healthier for all your garden's inhabitants.

Garden Responsibly

When gardening, be mindful of hedgehogs and other wildlife. Netting, when used carelessly, can trap hedgehogs, so try to keep it at a safe height and check it regularly.

Spread the Word

Share your passion for hedgehogs with neighbours. The more people that are aware and willing to make their gardens hedgehog-friendly, the bigger the impact we can have on their survival.

By following these steps, you can provide a sanctuary for hedgehogs right in your backyard, helping to protect these treasured creatures for future generations to enjoy. So, let's band together, Gnosall gardeners, and do our bit for these spiky friends!