Create hedgehog highways
Even the most wildlife friendly garden is of no help if the hogs can’t access it easily. Consider chatting with your neighbours and creating a ‘Hedgehog Highway’ along your street, linking multiple gardens to create even more space for hogs. Holes only need to be 13cm x 13cm. Click here for more information.

Don’t use chemicals
Hedgehogs love to munch on snails, slugs and other garden pests. Using pesticides makes it harder for hedgehogs to find food and stay healthy. 

Ramps for ponds
Hedgehogs can swim, but often struggle to get out of garden ponds. Adding a ramp or shallow area ensures your garden is safe for hedgehogs.

Safe netting
Another safety issue can be netting, such as that used in football goals. Tie the netting so it is a foot off the ground, ensuring that no hogs can get tangled.

Water/Food
Although it shouldn’t be necessary to provide food on a regular basis, (especially if your garden is wildlife friendly) it can be a fun way to engage with your garden visitors. If you do wish to leave food out for hedgehogs, use dog or cat food. It is helpful to have a water source in the garden, particularly in the hot summer months.

Take care when gardening Unfortunately injuries from mowing and strimming are common. Take care when doing these activities, checking any long grass first. If you have a bonfire, check the pile and try to burn the same day it is built, as hedgehogs think bonfires are ideal homes.

Spotted a sick hedgehog? Hedgehogs hibernate and are nocturnal, so if you see one out during the day, especially during the winter months, it may need your help. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has more information on what to do which you can access here.