{"id":2175153,"date":"2024-05-04T12:00:23","date_gmt":"2024-05-04T11:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/?p=2175153"},"modified":"2024-04-29T15:43:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T14:43:20","slug":"how-to-make-your-garden-a-hedgehog-haven-gardening-experts-reveal-5-top-tips-for-attracting-the-creature-who-will-get-rid-of-pests-that-feast-on-your-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/how-to-make-your-garden-a-hedgehog-haven-gardening-experts-reveal-5-top-tips-for-attracting-the-creature-who-will-get-rid-of-pests-that-feast-on-your-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make your garden a hedgehog haven: Gardening experts reveal 5 top tips for attracting the creature who will get rid of pests that feast on your plants"},"content":{"rendered":"

Making gardens not only beautiful, but a safe haven for wildlife has become a top priority for many green-fingered Brits.<\/p>\n

One such welcome creature is the humble hedgehog – which is great at getting rid of garden pests such as beetles, caterpillars and other invertebrates that like to feast on your plants.<\/p>\n

However, sadly numbers of the spiny mammal have declined sharply in recent years.<\/p>\n

Leading gardening brand Gardman has shared its top tips on how to make your garden a welcoming space for the adorable animals.<\/p>\n

With Hedgehog Awareness Week occurring between Sunday May 5 and Saturday May 11, these are the five things you should be doing to make your space welcoming fort these spiky visitors.<\/p>\n

Create a gap in your garden fence for hedgehogs to pass through.<\/h2>\n

As many modern gardens are often surrounded by high fences, creating a 13cm x 13cm gap at the bottom of a fence allows for easy passage between neighbouring gardens, which are known as hedgehog highways.<\/p>\n

To ensure that hedgehogs do not catch their spines as they move from garden to garden, you should always keep the area clear of netting and plant growth.<\/p>\n

Offer them a safe and comfortable home<\/h2>\n

If you have access to logs and dry leaves, you can create a welcoming hedgehog haven, but if you don\u2019t have a plentiful supply, then a hedgehog house will provide the perfect accommodation.<\/p>\n

Some hedgehog houses are constructed from a sturdy rust-resistant steel frame, and covered with a natural camouflage finish, enabling it to blend in nicely with the natural surroundings of your garden.<\/p>\n

Always keep plenty of fresh water<\/h2>\n

Hydration is a must for hedgehogs so ensure there are plenty of clean, shallow bowls of water available around the garden.<\/p>\n

Gardman advises to top them up regularly, particularly during periods of hot weather.<\/p>\n

They also advise that adding stones and slate to the water creates landing spots for birds, butterflies, and bees too – so they can also pause for a drink.<\/p>\n

\"Running<\/a>
Running from Sunday May 5 to Saturday May 11, National Hedgehog Week is organised by The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). Pictured: File image of a young hedgehog on timber<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keep a good supply of quality food<\/h2>\n

Many people think milk is a good source of food for hedgehogs, but in reality, it gives them an upset stomach.<\/p>\n

Gardman Hedgehog Bites have been created with the essential vitamins and minerals hedgehogs need.<\/p>\n

These high-energy, tasty bites supplement the natural food they will find in your garden. The food can be placed on the ground or in a dedicated feeding tray.<\/p>\n

Make your garden safe for your hedgehog visitors<\/h2>\n

Ponds provide a wonderful wildlife habitat but must always have an escape route, such as a ramp or series of semi-submerged ledges, which will enable an easy exit.<\/p>\n

Following these simple tips will make gardens a much more welcoming place for these enchanting creatures.<\/p>\n

Running from Sunday May 5 to Saturday May 11, National Hedgehog Week is organised by The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS).<\/p>\n

This article<\/a> by Zac Campbell was first published by The Daily Mail on 23 April 2024. Lead Image:\u00a0Here are the five things you should be doing to make your home hedgehog-friendly. Pictured: File image of a European hedgehog.<\/em><\/p>\n

What you can do<\/h2>\n

Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 – It only takes a minute.<\/p>\n

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