Gardeners are encouraged to drill or cut holes in the bottom of their fences this fall to help a beloved garden visitor who is at serious risk.
Hedgehog populations have fallen dramatically across the UK in recent years, from 30 million in the 1950s to an estimated less than 1 million today. The species has suffered greatly due to environmental changes as well as modern gardening, household and lifestyle choices in the way we operate and maintain our homes and gardens.
However, gardeners should make every effort to attract these prickly creatures to their gardens this summer, as hedgehogs are actually excellent pest controllers. Hedgehogs, while adorable, are excellent at devouring the various pests that gardeners must constantly keep under control and away from prized fruit and vegetable crops or flower beds, reports the Express.
READ MORE: {{title}}
In September and October, hedgehogs actively prepare for hibernation following the breeding season in June and July, although hedgehogs often produce a second litter of hedgehogs in August and September.
The Spike's Hedgehog Food website states: “While June and July are the typical birthing time for young piglets, hedgehogs often have a second litter of young piglets in August and September following the mating season in early summer. This time of year is crucial for hedgehogs as they need to build up fat reserves before hibernation in October or November.”
“However, with less food and water available due to urban sprawl and the use of pesticides that kill insect populations – which are their main food source – many are unable to build up the reserves they need to survive the winter.”
They add that creating a small opening under your garden fence is the most important measure you can take to help hedgehogs. They explained: “Leave a small gap in your garden fence so they can easily get in and out.”
“You could even chat with your neighbors and encourage them to do the same. This creates a safe hedgehog highway through your gardens, which is crucial for their mating rituals and feeding habits.”
The RSPCA explains that hedgehogs roam constantly but need help entering and leaving gardens. They noted: “Hedgehogs are one of Britain's best-known and best-loved wild animals. Hedgehogs are a gardener's friend as they eat beetles, caterpillars, worms and other invertebrates.”
“Did you know that up to 10 different hedgehogs can visit a garden over several nights? This could mean that 'your hedgehog' is actually several different hedgehogs visiting at different times. The European hedgehog is one of about 16 different species found around the world. They are also the species most commonly admitted to our specialist wildlife rehabilitation centers.
“Hedgehogs can travel around a mile each night, so they may need help getting in and out of your garden. Try cutting holes in fences, removing bricks from walls or digging tunnels under the garden boundary. Hedgehogs can travel through gaps as small as 13cm x 13cm, so these gaps don't have to be large.
“Replacing garden fences with native hedges allows hedgehogs access through your garden. Hedges also provide shelter for other wildlife. Remember to check with your neighbor before building a highway.”
Unfortunately, hedgehog populations have declined dramatically in recent years, partly due to the installation of solid, impermeable barriers and fences around properties.
Wildlife retailer NHBS explains: “Research suggests this is partly because it is becoming increasingly difficult for hedgehogs to move freely as more permanent walls and fences are built around gardens.”
“This reduces the available foraging area and therefore the amount of food they can eat, as well as the opportunity to meet a mate. Creating a hole in a garden wall or fence will allow your pet hedgehogs to move safely from garden to garden.”
This can be achieved by simply cutting a small, approximately hedgehog-sized opening at the base of your fence, or alternatively, raising the entire panel by a few centimeters to allow hedgehogs to slip underneath (making sure the gap is not large enough for unwanted human access). Alternatively, you can simply cut a few inches off the bottom of your fence to allow hedgehogs to slip through.
While this may seem like an invitation to cats, they can easily jump over even 6-foot fences, so this doesn't increase cat intrusion. If you want to do it right, NHBS offers a Hedgehog Hole Fence Panel that creates a sturdy, metal-reinforced gap at the bottom of your fence.
NHBS recommends: “A 13cm x 13cm hole is the right size for a hedgehog, but is too small for most pets. Once you have drilled your hole in the fence or wall, you can attach the eco-hedgehog hole plate to the fence, ensuring the hole is not blocked or over-extended.”
“The panel has six screw holes, three on each side, which allow you to attach the panel to your fence or wall. Additional holes can be drilled into the plastic if necessary.”