10 tips for encouraging hedgehogs in your neighbourhood

1. LINK YOUR GARDEN.
   Hedgehogs roam between 1-2km each night during their active season. It is therefore critical that they can access a wide range of gardens. 5×5″ holes in walls or fences will let hegdehogs through but be too small for most pets.
2. MAKE YOUR POND SAFE
   Hedgehogs are adept swimmers, but if they cannot climb out of steep-sided ponds or pools they will drown. Use a pile of stones, a piece of wood or some chicken wire to create a simple ramp.
3. CREATE A WILD CORNER
   Let the plants go mad in a corner of your garden, and do not cut them back in winter and hedgehogs might nest here. They will also benefit from the abundant insects. Use branches to add structure.
4. DEAL WITH NETTING AND LITTER
   Hedgehogs are prone to getting tangled. Polystyrene cups, plastic and elastic bands are all common offenders. Replace netting with a rigid structure or use a thick cordage and keep taut. Sports and garden netting should be tied up or stored inside when not in use.
5. PUT OUT FOOD AND WATER
   Hedgehogs really benefit from extra food, using it as a supplement to their natural diet. Meaty cat or dog food, hedgehog food and chopped, unsalted peanuts are all suitable. Water can also be scarce at certain times of the year and is the only thing you should give them to drink.
6. STOP USING CHEMICALS
   Lawn treatments reduce worm population. Pesticides, insecticides and slug pellets are toxic and reduce hedgehogs’ creepy crawly prey. They are all unnecessary in a healthy, well managed garden.
7. CHECK BEFORE STRIMMING
   Hedgehogs will not run away from the sound of a mower or strimmer – check before you cut and avoid causing horrific injuries or death. Single hedgehogs are easily moved, but use gloves! Moving a hedgehog family is more complicated and ideally they should be left undisturbed – call BHPS for advice on 01584 890801.
8. BE CAREFUL WITH BONFIRES
   Piles of debris are irresistible to a hedgehog looking for somewhere to hibernate or nest – build it on the day of burning or move the pile on the day of burning to avoid a tragic end.
9. MAKE A HOME FOR HEDGEHOGS
   A log pile is one of the best features for encouraging all kinds of wildlife – and so easy to make. It will encourage insects and provide nesting opportunities all year round. Alternatively, you can make your own DIY hedgehog house – you can download instructions from the website (www.hedgehogstreet.org).
10. BECOME A HEDGEHOG CHAMPION
    Register on Hedgehog Street and join the army of over 60,000 volunteers. You will be provided with all the resources you could need to make your neighbourhood chock-a-block with hedgehogs. (www.hedgehogstreet.org).