Did you know that baby hedgehogs venture out of their nests in July? Known as hoglets, young hedgehogs are born deaf and blind, making their first weeks outside the nest one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. Our gardens can play a crucial role in helping them survive – which is why it’s important to take extra care before mowing, clearing, or carrying out garden jobs this summer.
‘If you’re planning a garden tidy-up or landscaping project, it’s important to be mindful of where hoglets are most likely to be nesting,’ explains Andy Simms from MyBuilder. ‘They often shelter beneath dense hedgerows, overgrown bramble patches, long grass, garden structures and even piles of garden waste.’
Here are the key garden hazards to watch out for this summer, along with the simple steps you can take to make your outdoor space safer for them.
1. Paddling pools and ponds
A paddling pool is perfect for keeping children cool during hot weather, but it can quickly become a trap for curious hedgehogs.
‘If they fall into the water, the smooth sides can make it difficult to climb back out,’ explains James Lewis, garden expert at MyBuilder.
Cover paddling pools overnight where possible, or place a simple ramp inside to provide an escape route. Wildlife-friendly pond ramps can also help prevent accidents.
Donna Day – Getty Images
2. Slug pellets and pesticides
Many common garden pesticides can be harmful to hoglets, as they can perceive these as food. ‘Slug pellets in particular can poison the wider food chain,’ says James.
Instead, try wildlife-friendly alternatives to manage pests. For tough slugs, look for pellets with ferric phosphate in, as these break down naturally into iron and phosphate in the soil.
GrachevaTO – Getty Images
3. Hot weather
Like all wildlife, baby hedgehogs can struggle to stay hydrated during prolonged periods of warm weather.
‘Leaving out a shallow dish of water in a quiet part of the garden can provide a vital source of hydration, especially during heatwaves,’ suggests James.
Be sure to refresh this daily to ensure that pests and bacteria don’t build up in these – a simple top-up with a hose will do the trick.
Rosmarie Wirz – Getty Images
4. Open drains and holes
Uncovered drains and deep holes can quickly become dangerous traps for wandering hedgehogs – particularly inexperienced hoglets exploring beyond the nest for the first time.
‘Where possible, keep drains securely covered using a suitable drain or manhole cover,’ James tells us.
If that’s not immediately possible, a temporary weighted cover, such as a water-filled bag, can help prevent accidents until a permanent solution is installed.
Callingcurlew23 – Getty Images
5. Dogs exploring at dusk
Even the friendliest family dog can unintentionally injure a hoglet, making pet encounters one of the most common causes of injuries to these small mammals.
‘As hedgehogs are nocturnal, they’re most likely to be active at dusk and during the night, often foraging in lawns and beneath shrubs just as many dogs are being let outside,’ James says.
If you’re letting your dog into the garden after dark, supervise them where possible and switch on an outdoor light so you can spot any baby hedgehogs before your pet does.
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