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How to create a hedgehog haven


WILDLIFE


Over the last decade it’s estimated we’ve lost a third of our hedgehog population. The exact causes are unknown, but suggested reasons include habitat loss and reduced food supply. Thankfully anyone who owns a garden can supply  like to help your local hedgehogs here are a few simple to follow tips.


A safe food source:


A hedgehog’s main food sources include worms, slugs, snails and ground dwelling beetles. Unfortunately many of these are seen as the gardener’s enemy and a continual chemical war is waged against them. These chemicals can cause problems for hedgehogs. So try other methods of keeping the ‘enemy’ at bay, for example introducing ladybird and lacewings. A great source for chemical free pest control products can be found at: www.greengardener.co.uk


 create a log pile. As the logs slowly break down a host of insects will move in, providing a valuable food source. During extreme weather food can become scarce, so offer additional food. Suitable foods include: specially formulated hedgehog food, tinned cat or dog food (avoid fish flavours) or make  dried mealworms, sultanas and sunflower hearts. To stop  a paving slab on some bricks, leaving a gap between two of the bricks as an entrance.


A safe water source:


 Although hedgehogs can swim, a pond with steep sides is a death trap. So add an escape ramp or slightly redesign to add  water feature, or just leave out a fresh bowl of water each night.


Shelter:


 hanging bushes and weave through long grass. So add plants that provide this cover rather than a garden that is simply decking and plants in pots. You could also provide a purpose built hedgehog home. There are a number on  


Autumn hoglet


website: www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk These should be placed somewhere sheltered and quiet. You never know, a hedgehog may hibernate in there or during the breeding season it may become a nursery for a litter of hoglets and their mother.


Once you have created a hedgehog haven you will also have to think about the way you care for your garden. So precautions you should take include:





 unable to, get into the habit of checking first thing every morning to ensure prickles have not become entangled.


 


 do not move in or become trapped.


 slugs and dispose of safely.


If you would like to support your local hedgehogs:


 champion – you can also encourage your neighbours to become involved.


 Society.


 hedgehog rehabilitator. A database can be found on the 


 


 


16 Country Gardener


Lynne Garner is a writer who has run a hedgehog rescue centre from her back garden for 20 years. She explains how to encourage hedgehogs into your garden


 


 





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