Why hedgehogs visit your garden and how to help them
As temperatures fall and food becomes scarce, hedgehogs increasingly wander into gardens looking for safe shelter and something to eat. Most recent estimates are that there less than 1 million hedgehogs left in the UK and with the species now classed as vulnerable to extinction, small changes by households can make a meaningful difference. Here’s how you can support these much‑loved visitors through the colder months.
1. Leave natural cover on the ground
Hedgehogs rely on leaves, compost heaps and log piles for warmth and protection. Leaving a patch of your garden a little ‘untidy’ gives them vital nesting material and places to hide from predators and the weather.
2. Put out food and water
In early autumn and winter, hedgehogs are hunting for extra calories to survive hibernation.
Helpful options include:
- Meat‑based cat or dog food
- Fresh water in a shallow dish
Place the food inside an upturned box with a small entrance hole to keep cats and foxes out. Avoid bread and milk – they can make hedgehogs ill.
3. Make your garden safe
Deep water features and ponds can be dangerous in cold weather. While hedgehogs can swim, they may drown if they cannot climb out. Fit a small wildlife ramp or cover risky edges to keep them safe.
4. Create a hedgehog highway
Hedgehogs roam widely, up to several kilometres a night whilst searching for food and nesting spots. A simple 13cm x 13cm gap at the bottom of your fence gives them safe access between gardens and helps them avoid roads and other hazards.
5. Stay vigilant
If you spot a hedgehog out during the daytime or one that looks weak, wobbly or underweight, it may need urgent help. Contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for advice via 01584 890 801.
A small act, a big impact
Hedgehogs are natural pest controllers, eating slugs, caterpillars and beetles, and they play an important role in a healthy local ecosystem. By making your garden a welcoming place, you’re contributing to a stronger, more connected natural landscape which is a key aim of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
