How to Look After Hedgehogs

If you have seen our Hedgehog Murals and you feel inspired to help Hedgehogs, please read below for a list of expert tips to look after them.

link to the press release

1. Structural Garden Improvements

Create a Hedgehog Highway: Cut a 13cm x 13cm (5in) hole at the base of fences to allow hedgehogs to roam the 2km they need nightly. More info on Hedgehog Street
Install Pond Ramps: Use a plank of wood wrapped in chicken wire or a pile of stones to create a ramp to climb out of a pond. More info on SeagoMac Wildlife
Keep Drains Covered: Ensure all gully pots and open drains are covered so hedgehogs don’t fall in and become trapped. More info on Grace the Hedgehog
Provide a Hedgehog House: Offer a predator-proof “hibernacula” for winter hibernation and summer nesting. Source: More info on RSPB
Check Sheds and Garages: Before closing or dismantling outbuildings for winter, check for nesting hedgehogs.

Provide Fresh Water: Leave out a shallow dish of water. In an IloveMCR interview, Barbara Roberts @ Withing Hedgehog Hospital advises putting a ping pong ball in the water dish during winter to stop it from freezing.
Supplementary Feeding: Use meaty cat/dog food or specific hedgehog biscuits. Avoid mealworms, as they can cause Metabolic Bone Disease. More info on Hedgehog Street
Maintain Hygiene: Scrub feeding dishes daily with wildlife-safe disinfectant to prevent the spread of Salmonella. Source: RSPCA – https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/hedgehogs/garden

Ditch the Chemicals: Stop using slug pellets, pesticides, and herbicides which poison hedgehogs and kill their food source. Source: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Check Before Strimming: Physically check long grass or overgrown corners before using tools to avoid fatal injuries. Source: Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Leave a “Wild Corner”: Allow an area to grow long grass and brambles to attract natural prey like beetles. More info on Hedghog Street
Manage Log & Leaf Piles: Leave dead wood and fallen leaves undisturbed to provide essential nesting materials.
Careful Composting: Check for nesting “hogs” before forking over your compost heap.

Bonfire Safety: Rebuild bonfires on the day you light them or move the pile to a new spot to ensure no one is hiding inside. Source: Avon Wildlife Trust
Lift Netting: Keep garden netting at least 30cm (1 foot) off the ground to prevent hedgehogs from becoming tangled. Source: BHPS
Safe Litter Disposal: Cut plastic multi-pack rings and ensure cans/yogurt pots are crushed before recycling. Source: BHPS
Road Awareness: Slow down on residential roads at night and keep an eye out for crossing wildlife.Source: PTES / Goring Parish Council Guidance

Map Your Sightings: Record your hedgehog sightings on the Big Hedgehog Map to help researchers. Source: Hedgehog Street
Become a Champion: Sign up to receive resources to educate your neighbours and promote hedgehog-friendly fencing. Source: PTES