Hedgehogs are adored by many, with people all over the UK wishing they’d visit their gardens. Little you may know, placing a simple item outdoors can encourage them to keep visiting
10:40, 10 Feb 2026Updated 10:40, 10 Feb 2026
Hedgehogs may just keep visiting for the item (stock image)(Image: Oksana Schmidt via Getty Images)
Hedgehogs are a beloved sight in many British gardens, but you may wish you knew methods to attract them. While they’re not typically spotted during the winter months due to their hibernation habits from November to March, they do occasionally venture out during milder spells to switch nests or forage.
These nocturnal visitors may also pop into gardens in search of food and shelter, so a little help from us can go a long way in supporting their survival during the frosty season. Leaving a specific item in your garden could significantly aid their wellbeing during the chillier months, and there are three additional steps you can take to assist our prickly pals.
Seedball recently shared some invaluable advice on Instagram for those keen to support hedgehogs through February with a straightforward task. There are also other ways you can help protect them during the winter.
The post read: “Where do hedgehogs go in winter? Hedgehogs are one of a very few mammals that truly hibernate, which means going into a torpor or deep sleep, dropping their body temperature, which slows down all of their organs to save energy.”
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It went on to explain: “When hedgehogs hibernate they curl up into a prickly ball with their soft tummies protected. For them to hibernate successfully they need to build up fat stores in the autumn.
“British hedgehogs are now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction. If you know you have active hogs in your garden you can put out fresh water and dried kitten food to supplement their diet.
“Help hedgehogs by not being too tidy in the garden. Hedgehogs use fallen leaves, dry grass and moss to make their nests, choosing somewhere sheltered and out of the way, such as under a hedge or in pile of sticks.
“Leaving some of these nesting materials available and introducing hog-friendly habitats could be a lifeline.” Therefore, making a genuine impact requires nothing more than placing a water bowl in your outdoor space.
Whilst it might appear modest, this straightforward gesture could prove vital for hedgehogs. What’s more, it will entice them to visit your garden with greater frequency.
How to help hedgehogs
You might question what action to take if you’re ever concerned about a hedgehog’s welfare. Should you encounter one during daylight hours appearing frail, sluggish or infested with fleas, immediate intervention is essential.
If they appear notably undersized throughout the winter period, they’ll require your assistance too. When their weight drops below 450g, this signals potential danger.
Simply place them in a container with a towel-wrapped hot water bottle if you’re concerned. Subsequently, contact your local wildlife rescue facility for guidance on the appropriate next steps.
Always consult professional assistance from an animal specialist, whilst maintaining the hedgehog’s comfort in the container until it can receive proper examination. It’s a straightforward protocol that must be observed.
Nevertheless, by positioning a dish of water outdoors, you’ll be doing your part to assist them as effectively as possible throughout the winter months. You might also consider leaving out a small portion of cat food.
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