Gardeners urged to drill holes in their fences before the end of March

UK homeowners have been urged to make CD-sized holes in their fences in March to help a much-loved animal

Gardeners urged to drill holes in their fences before the end of March(Image: mtreasure via Getty Images)

Wildlife experts are calling on gardeners to create holes in the base of their fences ahead of spring to support a cherished (and increasingly threatened) British species. As hedgehogs emerge from their winter slumber, they could really do with a helping hand from us.

So, if you’re keen to make your garden more hedgehog-friendly, it’s worth inspecting your fence. Whilst boring holes into your fence might not top your list of favourite gardening jobs, wildlife professionals insist that hedgehogs will reap enormous rewards from this simple act.

Known as a hedgehog highway, these openings create a protected passage for hedgehogs to reach food and shelter whilst avoiding hazards. Here’s everything you need to know.

Gardeners are being urged to make holes in fences to help hedgehogs(Image: imageBROKER/Kevin Sawford via Getty Images)

Hedgehog highways comprise a network of gaps and openings that run through hedges and fences, establishing safe corridors for hedgehogs to navigate.

Given that hedgehogs risk injury on roads, these highways offer a protected route for them to move around without facing peril.

Anton Baskerville, wildlife expert at Woodlands.co.uk, said: “Hedgehogs like to roam large distances to find food, mates, and nesting sites.

“In urban environments, fences, walls, and other barriers can limit their movement, making it harder for them to meet these basic needs.

“A hedgehog highway enables them to safely travel between gardens and other habitats, greatly improving their chances of survival and reproduction.”

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Throughout Britain, hedgehogs have been officially recognised as vulnerable to extinction. Their numbers have plummeted dramatically, especially in rural areas, due to the loss of natural habitats, road traffic accidents, and dwindling food supplies.

The brilliant aspect of creating a hedgehog highway is that it doesn’t require removing a substantial portion of your fence or hedge.

Specialists at Thomson Environmental Consultants, a prominent environmental consultancy firm, recommended: “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.”