This week is Hedgehog Awareness Week and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society wants to “raise the profile of Britain’s only spiny animal!” There are lots of great tips and information their website about how to help hedgehogs as well as a fun selection of hedgehog related gifts.
The main points for us to bear in mind are to:
- Allow hedgehogs access through garden fences by cutting 13cm x 13 cm holes or digging a tunnel underneath.
- Always move piles of garden debris before burning as these are a magnet for hedgehogs.
- Check long grass carefully before strimming and mowing.
- Check compost heaps before digging in with a fork to air the compost. Move by hand if necessary.
- Stop using pesticides, poisons and slug pellets; these kill hedgehogs.
- Make routes in and out of ponds with bricks ,stones, logs or piles up garden waste.
We can encourage hedgehogs to the garden with some hedgehog food from local pet shops or perhaps online from Ark Wildlife or the RSPB. We can also provide a hedgehog home by either having a go at building one or, buying one. ... and remember to leave a heavy, un-tippable shallow dish of water out.
If you’re keen to share your hedgehog photos and stories, you can become a hedgehog champion with Hedgehog Street online and also receive updates and news about hedgehogs.
Happy Hedgehog week 2021!
The Flatford Wildlife Garden is now open every day until October from 10.30am – 4.30pm. Entrance to the garden is free and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Car parking is £5 at the Flatford National Trust car park and this gives you access to the stunning countryside walks around Dedham Vale in Constable Country.