And to help do this, you will need to dig out your old CDs from the attic and get out into your gardens to protect some wildlife.
Hedgehogs are found across the UK in habitats like gardens, woodlands, and parks, and can be helped by providing safe access in gardens.
With this in mind, experts are urging gardeners in the UK to leave space in their fences to help these small creatures out.
Native wild animals in the UK
Is it okay to have hedgehogs in your garden?
Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s favourite mammals, according to the Wildlife Trusts; however, their population is declining.
European hedgehogs are small mammals found across the UK and are nocturnal, venturing out at night to feed.
The Wildlife Trusts says that they are one of the few mammals in the UK that “truly hibernate through the winter”.
As explained by the RSPCA, Hedgehogs are regular garden visitors and an “important part of the ecosystem”.
Hedgehogs do not harm gardens and can even help by eating pests like slugs, snails, and beetles.
Hedgehogs do not harm gardens and can help by eating common pests (Image: Getty Images)
People urged to make gap in garden fence to help hedgehogs
Thomson Environmental Consultants is a leading environmental consultancy with expertise in habitat management and creation.
Their experts said: “Hedgehog Highways allow hedgehogs to roam widely in search of food, mates and nesting.
“Creating a CD-case-sized gap in garden fences allows hedgehogs to move freely between gardens.
“By coordinating with your neighbours, you can establish a connected network of gardens and mark gaps to raise awareness.”
Other important ways to make your garden hedgehog-friendly, as shared by Thomson, include:
Growing a wild patch
Plant native shrubs and wildflowers, leave leaf piles, and create a wild corner to attract insects, provide cover, and offer foraging opportunities.
Simple Ways to Create a Wildlife-friendly Garden
Build a home
Make a hedgehog house with a wooden box filled with dry leaves, straw, or shredded newspaper.
Place it in a quiet, sheltered spot under foliage with an entrance small enough for hedgehogs but too narrow for predators.
Ban pesticides
Pesticides and poisons harm hedgehogs, so instead, practice organic gardening, manually remove pests, and encourage natural predators to maintain a balanced ecosystem and protect hedgehog food sources.
Recommended reading:
What to feed hedgehogs in the UK
Thomson recommends providing supplemental food and water, especially during dry periods.
They say to use shallow dishes for water and meaty cat or dog food, and to keep it clean, refresh regularly, and provide water year-round to prevent dehydration.
The RSPCA says leaving food and fresh water out in the garden each night will encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly, and adds that crushed cat or dog biscuits also work.
It warns never to give hedgehogs milk, as they’re lactose intolerant and it can cause diarrhoea, as well as bread, as it provides no nutritional benefit.
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