Although hedgehogs are cherished animals in Britain, their numbers are critically decreasing
Gemma Strong Lifestyle Writer and Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
04:08, 19 Oct 2025
Gardeners can do their bit to help hedgehogs this autumn(Image: Getty Images)
British horticulturalist Monty Don has outlined his essential October chores – and one is especially beneficial for small creatures like hedgehogs. While the 70-year-old shared his advice in a blog last year, it remains just as relevant now that autumn has returned.
By his own admission, Monty is ‘obsessive’ about making leafmould, which describes an invaluable natural soil conditioner created by compacting damp leaves. Although he stressed that its ‘crumbly texture’ is an ‘essential component’ for creating homemade compost, there may be another benefit for many garden residents.
According to the Mirror, he wrote: “So I am obsessive about making leafmould, gathering as many of the fallen leaves as possible, mowing them to chop them up and then stacking them in a big open heap so they can break down into a lovely rich, crumbly texture and become an essential component of our home-made potting compost.
“But I also leave drifts and piles of leaves under hedges and trees to provide over-wintering cover for hedgehogs, frogs, small mammals and insects, along with stacks of logs and piles of prunings – all of which gives essential winter protection for these small creatures that contribute so much to the garden’s health.”
Although hedgehogs are cherished animals in Britain, their numbers are critically decreasing. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports that almost 50% of the UK’s hedgehog population has vanished over the past 13 years.
Now, hedgehogs are sadly at risk of extinction in the UK, with less than 900,000 remaining, according to estimates. That is a sharp decline from a staggering 30 million in the 1950s.
If you’re eager to help protect these prickly creatures further, the RHS also recommends offering them some food. It’s worth doing this even if you’re unsure they are in the garden, as they might be closer than you think.
Olivia Drake, Science & Horticulture Editor at RHS, previously explained: “This is especially important in early autumn, when hedgehogs need to fatten up to get them through their long, cold winter hibernation.
“Try putting out tinned meaty dog or cat food. If you’re worried about cats or foxes taking the food, place it inside an upturned box with an entrance hole cut out.”
Principal Ecologist, Leo Plevin of Arbtech, has also recently advised: “Hedgehogs are disappearing before our own eyes, but the good news is that families can make a real difference.
“Small things like leaving out a bowl of water, creating a gap in your fence, or even just leaving a pile of leaves in your garden can all help hedgehogs to thrive.
“Hibernation is a dangerous time for hedgehogs, but the smallest helping hand could ensure thousands make it through to spring.”
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