GARDENING WITH HEDGEHOGS
For some time anecdotal evidence has pointed to the absence of hedgehogs from
gardens and countryside. Results from the Peoples’ Trust for Endangered Species
(PTES) Mammals on Roads survey are also showing direct evidence that hedgehogs
in rural England, and probably Wales, are declining at a very rapid rate. To find out
more the PTES and British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) are funding Dr
Paul Bright at Royal Holloway University of London to investigate whether agricultural
practice and land management in built up areas can be improved to benefit
hedgehogs.
Members can help hedgehogs by adopting some simple precautions when gardening.
Bonfires - use a proper incinerator or move the pile to be burnt just before setting
fire to it. This should ensure that no hedgehog has made a home in the rubbish. Do
not burn or trim pampas grass until you are sure there are no hedgehogs nesting in it.
Netting - keep all pea-netting a foot above the ground so the hedgehogs can go under
it.
Ponds - provide escape routes e.g. plastic coated wire over the side and into the water
to make a ladder, or when making a pond have a gentle slope to at least one of the
sides. Keep ponds topped up, especially in hot weather so hedgehogs are less likely
to topple in.
Drains - keep drain holes covered: this stops both leaves and hedgehogs blocking
the drain.
Fences - repair wooden fences that blow down in the wind etc as soon as possible
because hedgehogs may be tempted to make their nests underneath them. Leave a
hole in fences or new walls so the hedgehogs can come and go. Use environmentally
safe wood preservatives on sheds, fences etc as hedgehogs often lick new smells or
substances.
Wild areas - take care when mowing long grass and tidying wild patches, as they are
an ideal place for a hedgehog's nest. Strimmers mutilate! When cutting long overgrown
areas cut initially to about a foot long and then check for hedgehogs and other
wildlife before cutting any lower. Providing a suitable nesting or hibernating box can
help prevent accidental disturbance.
Compost heap - ideal place for a hedgehog to nest and rear its young. Take care
when turning the heap; one thrust of a fork can easily kill more than one baby hedgehog.
Slug Pellets - try alternatives, remember metaldehye pellets will kill.
Sheds - do not suddenly decide to keep doors closed which have previously been left
open for some weeks without first checking that there is no nesting hedgehog inside.
Do not dismantle sheds until October when the young have left
the nest and hibernation may not have started.
for more information.