Hedgehogs are preparing to hibernate for the winter
11:04, 26 Oct 2025Updated 11:05, 26 Oct 2025
Hedgehogs sometimes visit people’s gardens(Image: Getty)
October marks the end of the hedgehog foraging season. This is when they’re at their most active, making it the perfect time to see them wandering through your garden.
Whilst they’re getting ready to settle down for their winter hibernation, there are steps you can take to attract them to your property.
Given that the species is in decline, these measures provide the added benefit of giving hedgehogs a crucial lifeline.
In a video shared on TikTok, gardening expert Deb shared some simple tips for attracting them, reports the Mirror.
She explained there are easy ways to draw them in.
To encourage their visits, she said you simply need to put one key strategy into place.
A young hedgehog in natural habitat(Image: kwasny221 via Getty Images)
Deb said: “Now, it may seem simple, but the first thing to do is make sure you have a hedgehog highway. Hedgehogs can roam up to one mile each night.
“If you have a fenced garden, make sure that there’s a gap in the fence, or a gap under your garden gate. Provide shelter for the hedgehog.
“A log pile, compost heap or purpose-built house in a shaded spot will give hedgehogs a safe place to rest and hibernate. Provide food and water, not milk. Contrary to popular belief, milk is bad for hedgehogs. Do not leave milk out. Leave out fresh water.”
She added you can also buy hedgehog biscuits to leave around your garden for them.
This will give them some tasty snacks to munch on. She also pointed out that hedgehogs are particularly keen on gardens featuring leafy trees, so it’s worth keeping this in mind.
If you don’t have these, Deb recommended it might be worthwhile planting some.
Why do hedgehogs like shelter?
Hedgehogs are drawn to gardens because they offer a safe haven alongside food, water and shelter.
These features are vital for them to rest, bring up their young and hibernate in safety.
They typically favour quiet, dry and tucked-away spots found in gardens.
Compost heaps, log piles or spaces beneath sheds and thick foliage are amongst their preferred hideaways.
That’s why establishing a “wild corner” with a pile of logs, leaves and garden waste is helpful, as it provides ideal nesting material and shelter.
You can also buy or build a specially-designed hedgehog house.
If you’re lighting the fire more often at the moment, you’ll be glad to hear they love log piles.
These provide both food and shelter.
Log piles create a home for insects such as beetles and woodlice, which are key food sources for hedgehogs.
They also offer a safe refuge for hedgehogs to hibernate, breed and rest as the piles provide protection from predators.
Adding some straightforward features to your garden can encourage them to pay a visit.
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