How to properly care for a UK native hedgehog in your backyard?

As spring unfurls its beauty and the air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flora, you may find an unexpected, spiny guest waddling around in your backyard. Yes, we’re talking about hedgehogs, one of the UK’s beloved native wildlife species. These adorable creatures might be a common sight, but their population has seen a steady decline over the years. The good news is that you can play a major role in their survival. Let’s explore various ways in which you can aid these charming creatures while ensuring they’re safe and thriving in your garden.

Attracting Hedgehogs to Your Garden

The first step in caring for the hedgehog population is to welcome them into your garden. To make your garden hospitable for hedgehogs, you need to create a wildlife-friendly environment. Hedgehogs are drawn to gardens with ample food sources and suitable areas for nesting.

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The best way to attract hedgehogs to your garden is to provide them with a steady food source. This can be achieved by leaving out cat or dog food, as well as specially formulated hedgehog food that can be found in pet stores. Avoid feeding them milk and bread, which are harmful to their digestive system.

Also, ensure to provide a shallow dish of fresh water, particularly during dry spells, to keep the hedgehogs hydrated.

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To give hedgehogs a safe place to rest and hibernate, consider setting up a hedgehog house or leaving piles of leaves and logs in a quiet corner of your garden. These can serve as potential nesting sites for the hedgehogs.

Safeguarding Their Habitat

While you strive to attract these endearing creatures to your garden, it’s crucial to make their habitat safe. Hedgehogs are unfortunately prone to many hazards in human-inhabited areas.

One common threat is pets, particularly dogs. It’s important to supervise your dog around hedgehogs, especially during dusk and dawn when hedgehogs are typically active.

Another threat to hedgehogs in your garden is gardening equipment. Extra care should be taken when using strimmers, lawnmowers, and other gardening tools, as hedgehogs could be hiding amongst the vegetation.

In addition to physical hazards, you also need to consider the impact of pesticides and slug pellets that are potentially lethal to hedgehogs. Opt for organic gardening methods to keep your spiny friends safe.

Rescuing Injured or Sick Hedgehogs

At times, you might find a poorly or injured hedgehog in your garden. It’s critical to know how to handle such situations and help these vulnerable creatures.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals. If you see a hedgehog out during the day, it’s typically a sign of distress. The same goes for small, underweight hedgehogs seen during late autumn or winter, as they should be in hibernation during this time.

If you come across a hedgehog in distress, it’s advised to contact a local rescue center. While waiting for help, you can place the hedgehog in a box with high sides, lined with a towel or newspaper. Provide a dish of water and some dog or cat food for nourishment.

Understanding Hedgehog Hibernation

Hibernation is a critical period for hedgehogs, lasting from November to mid-March. During hibernation, hedgehogs leave the world behind and retreat into a deep sleep to conserve energy.

Ensuring a safe hibernation environment in your garden is vital for their survival. As mentioned earlier, creating hedgehog houses or leaving piles of leaves and logs can provide ideal hibernation spots.

Check these areas gently before disturbing them during the winter months, in case a hedgehog is hibernating there. Also, continue to leave out food and water during the hibernation period as not all hedgehogs hibernate at the same time.

Encouraging Others to Help

While your efforts can indeed make a significant impact on the hedgehog population in your area, the survival of these enchanting creatures depends on collective action.

Educate your neighbors and local community about the steps they can take to make their gardens hedgehog-friendly. Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire others.

By creating a network of safe gardens for hedgehogs to move, feed, and hibernate in, we can restore the hedgehog population and ensure that future generations will continue to find these delightful creatures in their backyards.

Hedgehog Preservation Society and Local Support

Aiding hedgehogs in your garden can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, particularly if you’re new to this. Fortunately, several organisations exist to guide and assist you in this endeavour.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is one such organisation dedicated to helping the hedgehog population thrive in the UK. This society offers a range of resources, from advice on how to make your garden hedgehog-friendly, to what to do if you find an injured or sick hedgehog.

In addition to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, it’s also beneficial to connect with your local hedgehog group or rescue centre. These local groups can provide you with tailored advice based on the specific needs and challenges that hedgehogs face in your region. They can also assist with the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or sick hedgehogs, ensuring they receive the necessary care and treatment before being released back into the wild.

Participating in local hedgehog preservation efforts, such as building hedgehog houses or organising hedgehog food drives, can also contribute significantly to their survival. By purchasing hedgehog food from companies like Ark Wildlife, which donates a portion of their sales to hedgehog preservation, you can support these creatures further.

Conclusion: Every Effort Matters

Every effort, no matter how small, can contribute to the survival and wellbeing of the UK’s native hedgehog population. By making your garden hedgehog-friendly, providing food and water, being mindful of potential hazards, and knowing how to help a distressed hedgehog, you can make a significant difference.

Remember, it’s not just about creating a haven for hedgehogs in your garden, but also about inspiring others to do the same. Share your knowledge and experiences with your neighbours, local community, and via social media to raise awareness and encourage more people to play their part in hedgehog preservation.

In conclusion, the preservation of our lovely spiny friends is a collective effort and an enriching journey. So, embrace the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of these charming creatures. Your actions today will help ensure that future generations continue to delight in the sight of hedgehogs waddling around in their backyards.

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