Wildlife Gardening

Hedgehogs in the Garden: A Guide for Young Wildlife Enthusiasts

Introduction

Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures that can often be found in gardens, especially in rural and suburban areas. They are known for their spiky coats and their ability to curl up into a ball when threatened. Hedgehogs are beneficial to gardens because they eat pests like slugs and snails. However, their numbers are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticides, and other human-related factors.

Creating a Hedgehog-Friendly Garden

If you want to attract hedgehogs to your garden, there are a few things you can do to make it more welcoming.

• Create access holes: Hedgehogs need to be able to move freely between gardens. Cut a hole in your fence that is at least 13cm x 13cm (about the size of a CD) to allow hedgehogs to pass through.
• Plant a hedge: Hedges provide food and shelter for hedgehogs. Choose native plants like hawthorn and hazel, which attract egg-laying moths and increase the number of caterpillars available for hedgehogs to eat.
• Make ponds safe: If you have a pond in your garden, make sure it has sloping sides or a ramp so that hedgehogs can enter and exit safely.
• Check before strimming: Before using a strimmer, check long grass for hedgehogs. If you find any, move them to a safe location.
• Avoid using slug pellets: Conventional slug pellets contain metaldehyde, which is poisonous to hedgehogs. Use wildlife-friendly slug pellets instead, which contain less toxic ingredients.

Signs of Hedgehogs in the Garden

There are several signs that may indicate that hedgehogs are visiting your garden.

• Hedgehog poo: Hedgehog droppings are dark and may contain the wing cases of beetles and other insects.
• Hedgehog footprints: Hedgehog footprints are unique and unmistakable. Look for them in the mud or create a hedgehog footprint tunnel.
• Snuffling noises: Hedgehogs make snuffling noises as they explore their surroundings. You may be able to hear them at night if you leave your windows open.
• Stick or bedding material: Leave a stick in front of a hedgehog feeding station or nest box, or place bedding material like straw or leaves nearby. Hedgehogs may use these to make a cozy bed.

What to Do If You Find a Hedgehog

If you see a hedgehog in your garden, the best thing to do is nothing. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and they will usually go about their business without bothering you. However, there are some situations when you may need to intervene.

• Hedgehog out during the day in summer: This could be a mother hedgehog foraging for food or water. Stand back and observe the hedgehog for a while. If it is walking in a straight line and with purpose, you can leave it alone. If it is walking in circles or seems disoriented, you should contact a hedgehog rescue center.
• Hedgehog out during the day in autumn or winter: This could indicate a problem such as being too small to hibernate, lungworm, or organ failure. Contact a hedgehog rescue center immediately.
• Sick or injured hedgehog: If you find a hedgehog that is sick or injured, wear gloves and place it in a high-sided box with a warm hot water bottle and a towel. Contact a hedgehog rescue center right away.

Conclusion

Hedgehogs are fascinating and beneficial creatures that deserve our protection. By creating a hedgehog-friendly garden and knowing what to do if you find a hedgehog in need, you can help these amazing animals thrive.

Wildlife in the Garden in May

May is an exciting time for wildlife in the garden. Many birds are busy feeding their chicks, and insects are becoming more active. Here’s what to look for and how to help your garden visitors.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are starting to look for mates in May. You may hear their snuffling noises as they try to attract females. Hedgehogs need water to drink, especially in dry weather. You can help them by leaving out a shallow dish of water in a sheltered spot.

Bees

Bumblebees and other bees are important pollinators. They are especially active in May, collecting nectar and pollen to feed their young. You can attract bees to your garden by planting flowers that bloom in May, such as poppies, lavender, and rosemary. You can also provide a bee hotel, which is a nesting site for solitary bees.

Hoverflies

Hoverflies are beneficial insects that eat aphids and other pests. They need water to lay their eggs. You can attract hoverflies to your garden by providing a shallow dish of water with pebbles or sticks in it, so that the flies have a place to land.

Frogs and Toads

Frog and toad tadpoles are growing legs in May. They will soon be ready to leave the water and start exploring your garden. You can help them by making sure there is a safe way for them to exit the pond.

Birds

Great tits and blue tits are busy feeding their young in May. Each chick needs to eat around 100 caterpillars per day. You can help the birds by ensuring that your plants are well-watered so that the caterpillars have enough to eat. You can also leave out food for the adult birds, such as bird seed or mealworms.

Avoid putting out peanuts at this time of year, as there is a small risk of baby birds choking on large chunks of nut.

Red Mason Bees

Red mason bees are building nests in May. They use mud to line their nest cells. You can attract red mason bees to your garden by providing a bee hotel.

Slow Worms

Slow worms are starting to mate in May. The females will remain pregnant throughout the summer and give birth to live young in August. Compost bins are a popular choice for breeding, so take care when turning yours.

Bats

Bats are emerging from hibernation in May. They will be feeding on insects and looking for roosting sites. You can attract bats to your garden by planting night-blooming flowers, such as evening primrose and moonflower. You can also provide a bat box, which is a nesting site for bats.

How to Help Wildlife in Your Garden

Here are some tips on how to help wildlife in your garden:

• Provide water for drinking and bathing.
• Plant flowers that bloom in May to attract pollinators.
• Provide nesting sites for bees, birds, and bats.
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.
• Let your garden grow wild in some areas to provide cover for wildlife.

By following these tips, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that is full of life and activity.