Hedgehogs are looking for safe spaces at this time of year ahead of their winter hibernation
Hedgehogs are among Britain’s most popular mammals and they need our help (Image: Getty)
If you’re hoping to spot hedgehogs in your garden, right now is the prime time. This month is when they finish up their foraging for food and start looking to hunker down and hibernate for the winter months.
October is when the cute, spiky creatures are at their most active as they actively build up their fat reserves ready for their winter slumber. You might be lucky enough to see them at this time of the year.
Now gardeners are being advised of a simple way to attract hedgehogs and make your outdoor space an inviting place for them. Being that they are in decline, it’s also a way to offer them a vital lifeline.
Gardening expert Deb posted some easy and straightforward ways to attract them on TikTok. To encourage their visits, she says you simply need to implement one key strategy.
Deb explained: “Now, it may seem simple, but the first thing to do is make sure you have a hedgehog highway. Hedgehogs can roam up to one mile each night.
“If you have a fenced garden, make sure that there’s a gap in the fence, or a gap under your garden gate,” reports the Manchester Evening News.
She has a few other tips too, adding: “Provide shelter for the hedgehog. A log pile, compost heap or purpose-built house in a shaded spot will give hedgehogs a safe place to rest and hibernate. Provide food and water, not milk. Contrary to popular belief, milk is bad for hedgehogs. Do not leave milk out. Leave out fresh water.”
Cutting a hold in your fence can help to create a Hedgehog Highway allowing them to roam freely (Image: Getty)
She mentioned you can also purchase hedgehog biscuits to scatter around your garden for them. This will offer them some delicious treats to enjoy.
Hedgehogs are fond of gardens with leafy trees, so it’s worth bearing this in mind. If you don’t have these, Deb suggested it might be a good idea to plant some.
Why do hedgehogs like shelter?
Hedgehogs are attracted to gardens as they provide a secure environment along with food, water and shelter. These elements are essential for them to rest, raise their young and hibernate safely.
Drawn to quiet, dry and secluded spots found in gardens, compost heaps, log piles or areas under sheds and dense foliage are among their favourite haunts.
Creating a “wild corner” with a stack of logs, leaves and garden debris is beneficial, as it offers perfect nesting material and shelter. You can also purchase or construct a purpose-built hedgehog house.
If you’re stoking the fire more frequently at present, you’ll be pleased to know they adore log piles. These offer both food and shelter. That’s because log piles create a habitat for insects like beetles and woodlice, which are primary food sources for hedgehogs.
They also provide a safe haven for hedgehogs to hibernate, breed and rest as the piles offer protection from predators.