How to Care for Wild Hedgehogs in Your Garden This Autumn/Winter

Hedgehogs are among the UK’s most beloved wildlife, but their populations are in decline. As autumn and winter approach, it's essential to take steps to protect and care for these spiky creatures in your garden. Here's everything you need to know to ensure hedgehogs stay safe, well-fed, and have the best chance of surviving the colder months.

Why Hedgehogs Need Our Help in Autumn and Winter

Hedgehogs face numerous threats, particularly during colder seasons when food is scarce, and safe habitats are limited. Their population has been declining, with urban development, habitat loss, and human intervention posing significant challenges. In the UK, hedgehogs hibernate over winter, which makes autumn the key time for them to build up enough fat reserves for survival. By making your garden more hedgehog-friendly, you can play an essential role in supporting this iconic species.

Preparing Your Garden for Hedgehogs

1. Create a Hedgehog Highway: One of the simplest ways to help hedgehogs is by allowing them access to your garden. Create a small gap (about 13 x 13 cm) in your fences or walls to enable them to roam freely between gardens. You can log your hedgehog highways on the Big Hedgehog Map.

2. Build Shelter: Hedgehogs love secluded, messy spots. A log pile, leaf pile, or even a custom-built hedgehog house can serve as ideal shelter. This not only gives them a safe place to nest but also provides access to natural food sources, such as insects.

3. Avoid Garden Dangers: Before you start bonfires or mow your lawn, check for hedgehogs that may be hiding. Piles of leaves and logs can often serve as makeshift nests. Also, avoid using pesticides and slug pellets, as these can harm hedgehogs and their prey.

Feeding Hedgehogs in Autumn and Winter

Providing supplementary food can significantly improve a hedgehog’s chances of survival as they prepare for hibernation. Here’s how to support them with food and water:

• Best Foods for Hedgehogs: You can offer them meaty cat or dog food, specially formulated hedgehog food, or dry cat biscuits. Make sure the food is protein-based, as hedgehogs are insectivores.
• Provide Water: Fresh water should always be available. It's crucial not to give them milk, as it can cause digestive issues. Hedgehogs are actually lactose intolerant despite oldwives tales that say they drink milk straight from the cows udders.
  
  

Understanding Hedgehog Hibernation

Hedgehogs enter hibernation when the temperature drops, typically from November to March. They need quiet, undisturbed spaces to hibernate safely. You can help by:

• Building or Buying a Hedgehog House: These provide a snug, insulated space for hedgehogs to nest during hibernation. Place the house in a quiet corner of your garden, ideally under a hedge or bush. You can find hedgehog house designs on the British Hedgehog Preservation Society's website.
• Avoiding Disturbance: Don’t disturb potential hibernation spots during the winter months. Check piles of logs and leaves before raking them away, as these could be home to sleeping hedgehogs.
  
  

Spotting a Hedgehog in Need

Hedgehogs that are out during the day, especially in colder months, may be in trouble. If you encounter a hedgehog that looks underweight, lethargic, or injured, it’s crucial to take action:

• Contact a Local Wildlife Rescue: If you find a hedgehog that appears unwell, contact a local wildlife rescue or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for advice.
• Check the Weight: Hedgehogs should weigh at least 600g before hibernation to survive through winter. If a hedgehog is underweight, it may need help from a rescue centre.
  
  

How to Build or Buy a Hedgehog House

Creating a hedgehog home is a fantastic way to ensure these creatures have a safe, warm spot for winter hibernation. Here’s how:

1. DIY Hedgehog House: You can build a hedgehog house using untreated wood, creating a structure with a small entrance and waterproof roof. Ensure it’s placed in a quiet area of the garden, away from disturbance.
2. Buying a Hedgehog House: If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, there are plenty of ready-made hedgehog houses available from wildlife retailers. Look for ones that are insulated and sturdy enough to withstand harsh weather.
   
   

Get Involved: Hedgehog Conservation Resources

If you’re passionate about hedgehogs, there are several organisations and resources you can engage with:

• Hedgehog Street: A project run by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species. You can become a "Hedgehog Champion" and contribute to national conservation efforts.
• British Hedgehog Preservation Society: Offers resources, advice, and opportunities to donate to hedgehog conservation projects.