Hedgehogs, the charming, spiky mammals have become an integral part of British gardens. However, their survival is at stake due to the modern gardening practices and urbanization. As garden owners, you can play a crucial role in the preservation of these species. By making small, conscious changes, you can create a welcoming environment for them. This article will guide you through the process of constructing a hedgehog-friendly habitat in your urban garden.
Understanding the Importance of Hedgehogs in Your Garden
Before embarking on the journey to make your garden hedgehog-friendly, it’s vital to understand why these prickly creatures are so important. Hedgehogs are a key component of the UK’s wildlife. They help keep a check on pests such as slugs and beetles, which otherwise might pose a threat to your garden plants.
Besides, their presence adds an element of charm and liveliness to your outdoor space. But, hedgehogs are now under threat. The loss of their natural habitat due to urbanization and unfriendly gardening practices has led to a drastic decline in their population.
Creating Hedgehog Friendly Areas
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, small mammals that need safe, quiet spaces for resting during the day. They also need nesting areas for raising their young. By creating these areas, you can help them feel more at home in your garden.
You can start by setting aside certain parts of your garden specifically for the hedgehogs. Leave these areas a bit wild, with piles of leaves or logs. These undisturbed spaces provide excellent nesting and resting spots for hedgehogs.
Alternatively, you can create a hedgehog house or box. These are simple, wooden structures which provide a safe and secure shelter for hedgehogs. Many ready-made options are available in the market, but you can also construct your own with some basic carpentry skills.
Providing Food and Water for Hedgehogs
Like any other living being, hedgehogs need food and water for survival. They are primarily insectivores, but their diet also consists of other small creatures and plants. By providing them with food, you are not only helping them survive, but also attracting them to your garden.
Leave a dish of water in your garden, especially during summer months when water is scarce. You can also provide food in the form of cat or dog food, minced meat, or specially prepared hedgehog food available in pet stores. Remember not to feed them milk or bread, as these can be harmful to their digestion.
Making Gardens Accessible for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are roamers and will often traverse multiple gardens in a single night while foraging for food. Hence, it’s important to provide them with easy access to your garden.
You can do this by creating small holes or gaps at the bottom of your fences or walls. An opening of around 13cm square is enough for a hedgehog to pass through. These ‘hedgehog highways’ allow for free movement of hedgehogs between gardens, thereby expanding their habitat and food resources.
Promoting Hedgehog-Friendly Gardening Practices
Last but not least, adopting hedgehog-friendly gardening practices can significantly help these creatures. This involves avoiding the use of pesticides and slug pellets which can harm hedgehogs.
Instead, opt for organic gardening methods such as composting and mulching. Also, be careful while using garden tools or machinery, especially strimmers and mowers which can inadvertently harm hedgehogs.
Creating a hedgehog-friendly habitat in your urban garden is a rewarding experience. It not only helps in conserving a precious species but also enriches your gardening experience. Remember, every small step counts towards creating a safer, friendlier environment for these adorable creatures.
Building Hedgehog Houses and Nest Boxes
One of the best ways to provide shelter for a garden hedgehog is by establishing a hedgehog house or nest box within your garden. A hedgehog house is a specially designed structure that serves as a safe haven for these critters. Nest boxes, on the other hand, are more simplified structures that still provide necessary shelter for hedgehogs.
These structures can be purchased pre-made from various retailers, but they can also be built in your own backyard. By using untreated wood, a few nails, and some basic carpentry skills, you can create a cosy, safe space for hedgehogs to rest and raise their young.
When designing the hedgehog house or nest box, ensure it has a small entrance to prevent predators from entering. Position the house in a quiet, undisturbed part of your garden, preferably in a shaded area to keep the house cool during hot summers. Add some leaves or hay to the house to create a comfortable bedding.
Remember that hedgehog houses and nest boxes are crucial for hedgehogs during winter when they hibernate. By providing these artificial refuges, you are making a significant contribution to hedgehog conservation.
Creating Log Piles and Natural Refuges
In addition to hedgehog houses and nest boxes, another way to create a hedgehog-friendly habitat is by setting up log piles in your garden. Log piles are beneficial because they mimic the natural habitat of hedgehogs and provide a safe space for nesting and hibernation.
To create a log pile, gather some old logs and stack them in a corner of your garden. Try to keep the pile stable but with enough gaps for hedgehogs to get in and out. You can also add some leaves or brushwood to the pile to make it more appealing for hedgehogs.
Artificial refuges like compost heaps or piles of leaves can also be beneficial. These not only provide shelter but also attract a range of insects, which can serve as a natural food source for hedgehogs.
Conclusion
Creating a hedgehog-friendly habitat in your urban garden is a rewarding endeavour that contributes significantly to the preservation of this endearing species. From building a hedgehog house or nest box, creating hedgehog highways, to setting up log piles and other artificial refuges, the steps are straightforward and the benefits are manifold.
By providing food and water and adopting wildlife-friendly gardening practices, you can help hedgehogs thrive despite the challenges of urbanization. Remember, the goal is not just to create a wildlife garden for hedgehogs but to incorporate your efforts into a broader, neighbourhood-wide network of hedgehog-friendly gardens.
Join others on the same mission by registering your garden on the Hedgehog Street campaign, a joint initiative aimed at creating a safe environment for hedgehogs across the UK. Together, we can ensure that these valuable members of our wildlife continue to enchant our gardens for generations to come.
