Households across Ireland are being urged to create small ‘hedgehog highway’ holes in fences before April.
Gardeners urged to drill holes in garden fence this spring(Image: (Image: Getty))
Households across Ireland are being urged to take action before April as hedgehogs wake from their winter hibernation and begin foraging across gardens nationwide.
Hedgehogs, which spend most of the colder months asleep, will be active in Ireland from April through to October, with peak breeding expected during the summer months.
During this time, they roam in search of food, water and safe nesting spots – but even small obstacles like garden walls or tightly closed fences can be a major obstacle.
Wildlife experts are encouraging homeowners to create hedgehog friendly holes and gaps to help the species, which has seen significant declines in Ireland over recent decades, thrive.
The concept of a ‘hedgehog highway’ involves cutting small holes in hedges and fences to form a safe path for the animals to move between gardens.
These corridors not only support foraging and breeding, but also reduce the risk of hedgehogs being harmed on roads as they travel.
Stock photo showing hole cut in base of wooden fence allowing hedgehogs access(Image: mtreasure via Getty Images)
Anton Baskerville from Woodlands.co.uk explained: “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.”
Building a hedgehog highway is easy and doesn’t involve removing large sections of fencing or hedges. Environmental consultancy group Thomson Environmental Consultants advised: “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.”
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