How to make a garden hedgehog-friendly
Hedgehogs aren’t fussy. They’re like any midsize critter: they need somewhere they can safely nest, they need food and water, and they need safe routes to get from A to B. You can provide all of these things in your garden – as well as cutting out unfriendly garden design choices that make things harder for hedgehogs.
A space to rest and nest
Hedgehogs are true hibernators. In the winter, hedgehogs drop their body temperature and become inactive to survive until the spring. For animals smaller than grizzly bears, this leaves them vulnerable not just to the weather but to predators, too. That’s why having a safe space to nest is so important.
Hedgehogs naturally hibernate under hedges (hence the name) and in the roots of trees, but in urban and suburban settings, there are either few or no such spots for them to occupy. You can help by providing a secure hedgehog house: a wooden box with a double-staggered entrance and a sturdy roof that gives Sir Spikesalot (and/or Lady Lotsa-lances) a safe spot to hibernate in. The secure entrance and solid walls are more than enough to keep predators away.
Food and water
Hedgehogs are insectivores, but in a garden setting, they’re more than happy to accept a free meal. You can support their diet by putting out a shallow dish of fresh water and a small portion of meat-based hedgehog food, or failing that, wet cat or dog food (according to The Wildlife Trust). Specialist hedgehog food is also widely available and can be a great supplement, especially during the busy autumn months when they’re bulking up for hibernation.
Just as important is what NOT to feed. Bread and milk are common offerings, but both can cause serious digestive issues and should be avoided completely. Mealworms, while often marketed as hedgehog treats, are also a bad idea: they can lead to calcium deficiency over time. Stick to foods that support their natural diet, and you’ll be doing them a real favour.
Safe access points in and out of your garden
A hedgehog’s territory can stretch over a mile in a single night. This means that having solid garden fences and walls cuts them off from food, shelter, and potential mates. One of the simplest and most effective ways to help is by creating a hedgehog-sized hole, roughly 13cm by 13cm, at the base of your fence or gate – that’s big enough for a hedgehog, but too small for much else to get through.
If your garden backs onto others, talk to your neighbours about linking up your spaces. A network of connected gardens gives hedgehogs room to roam, forage, and nest without the dangers of roads or open terrain. A small hole in the right place can open up a whole new world for a wandering hedgehog.
Hedgehog-friendly gardening
A few simple habits can make your garden far more welcoming to hedgehogs. Leaving some areas a little wild – a log pile, a patch of long grass, or an undisturbed corner – gives hedgehogs shelter and a hunting ground for insects. Avoid tidying too thoroughly in autumn, as hibernation spots can be easily raked up or binned by accident. And if you’re strimming or mowing, check for spiky friends first, especially in overgrown areas.
Equally important is knowing what to steer clear of. Slug pellets, pesticides, and chemical weed killers all harm the invertebrates hedgehogs rely on for food and can even poison hedgehogs directly. Netting for vegetables, especially at ground level, can entangle them. Even garden features like ponds need care: a sloped edge or a simple ramp can be the difference between a hedgehog having a drink, and not being able to get out.
What to do if you spot an injured/underweight hedgehog
If you come across a hedgehog that’s out during the day, visibly injured, or looking thin, it’s a sign something’s wrong. Use thick gloves to gently pick it up and place it in a high-sided cardboard box lined with a towel. Keep it somewhere quiet and warm, and offer water and a small amount of meaty wet cat food. Then contact your nearest wildlife rescue or hedgehog charity for advice. Specialist care can make all the difference.
Help hedgehogs with Green Feathers
You can make your garden the place to be for hedgehogs with a few of our best-selling products. Our hedgehog hibernation boxes replace much-needed hedgerow and tree root habitats that have disappeared quickly over the past few decades. We also stock handmade wooden hedgehog feeding stations where your new snuffly friends can hang out and eat some cat food. And then, if you want something out of the deal, you can install a hedgehog house camera on an easy-mount corner bracket and watch them live on your TV or laptop. Take a look through our range today – the hedgehogs will thank you for it!
