How to Create a Hedgehog-Friendly Garden
Hedgehogs are one of Britain's most loved wild animals, yet sadly their numbers have declined significantly in recent decades. The good news is that even small changes to our gardens can make a huge difference to these fascinating little creatures.
Why Hedgehogs Need Our Help
Hedgehogs once thrived in Britain's gardens, parks and countryside, but habitat loss, busy roads and changes in gardening practices have made life increasingly difficult for them.
Gardens can provide valuable feeding, nesting and hibernation sites, helping hedgehogs survive and thrive.
Even a small garden can become an important part of a hedgehog's territory.
If you'd love to encourage hedgehogs to visit your garden, here are some simple ways to create a safe and welcoming space for them.
Create Hedgehog Highways
Did you know that hedgehogs can travel up to a mile each night searching for food and mates?
Unfortunately, fences and walls can prevent them from moving freely between gardens.
One of the best things you can do is create a "hedgehog highway" by making a small gap (around 13cm x 13cm) at the bottom of your fence or gate.
If your neighbours are happy to join in, you can create a network of wildlife-friendly gardens that hedgehogs can safely explore.
Photo above: Hedgehog Highway cut into gate.
Provide Food and Water
Hedgehogs naturally feed on insects, beetles, worms and other invertebrates, but providing additional food can help them, particularly during dry weather.
Suitable foods include:
- Dry kitten/cat food
- Dry puppy/dog food
- Specialist hedgehog food
Always provide a shallow dish of fresh water.
What Not to Feed Hedgehogs
Contrary to popular belief, hedgehogs should not be given:
- Bread
- Milk
- Mealworms
These foods can cause health problems.
Photo above: Hedgehog feeding station
Leave Areas Wild
A perfectly tidy garden may look attractive to us, but it often offers very little for wildlife.
Consider leaving part of your garden slightly wild by:
- Allowing grass to grow longer
- Creating a log pile
- Leaving leaf piles in quiet corners
- Planting native flowers
These areas attract insects, which provide a natural food source for hedgehogs.
Create Safe Nesting Areas
Hedgehogs need sheltered places to rest during the day and hibernate during winter.
You can help by:
- Leaving piles of leaves
- Creating log piles
- Providing a hedgehog house
- Allowing access under sheds or decking
Position any hedgehog house in a quiet, shaded area away from regular disturbance.
Photo above: Hedgehog feeding station
Avoid Slug Pellets and Pesticides
Many garden chemicals can harm hedgehogs directly or reduce the insects they rely on for food.
Where possible, choose wildlife-friendly gardening methods and avoid the use of pesticides and slug pellets.
A healthy garden ecosystem often keeps pests under control naturally.
Check Before Strimming or Bonfires
Sadly, hedgehogs are sometimes injured when gardeners use strimmers, mowers or light bonfires without checking first.
Before:
- Strimming long grass
- Cutting back vegetation
- Lighting a bonfire
Take a few moments to carefully check for wildlife.
This simple habit can save lives.
Add Wildlife-Friendly Plants
Planting flowers that attract insects benefits the entire garden ecosystem.
Consider planting:
- Lavender
- Foxgloves
- Cornflowers
- Wildflowers
- Honeysuckle
More insects mean more food for visiting hedgehogs.
Enjoy Watching Wildlife
One of the most rewarding aspects of creating a wildlife-friendly garden is seeing nature up close.
Many people are surprised by how quickly wildlife responds when food, shelter and safe spaces are provided.
You may find that hedgehogs are joined by birds, butterflies, bees and other fascinating visitors.
Every Garden Can Make a Difference
Helping hedgehogs doesn't require a huge garden or expensive equipment. Small changes, made by many people, can have a significant impact.
By creating safe passageways, providing food and water, leaving areas wild and gardening with wildlife in mind, you can help support one of Britain's most iconic animals.
Together, we can help ensure that future generations continue to enjoy seeing hedgehogs in our gardens.
Hedgehog Lovers Collection
At Doughty Designs, we love celebrating Britain's wildlife. Our hedgehog-inspired gifts are created using designs based on David's wildlife photography and make wonderful gifts for nature lovers.
Browse our Hedgehog Collection here: Hedgehog Collection