5 top tips to care for hedgehogs this Bonfire Night

Ahead of Bonfire Night, many people will be looking for ways to protect the UK’s wildlife. Barratt Developments North East shares its top tips on how homeowners can protect hedgehogs within their local areas this Autumn Winter.

Research from RSPB has found that hedgehogs are in rapid decline, with a shocking estimated 30 mil decrease in the furry critters since the 1950s, across England, Scotland and Wales.

There are many reasons for the decline, from pesticides and fertilisers used in farming, traffic on the roads, or the lack of wildlife corridors for hedgehogs to safely move around the landscape. But there are also many ways in which people can support, as Barratt Developments North East reveals.

1. Leave a little mess

A little mess never hurts, and in fact for hedgehogs, it can save lives. Providing hedgehogs with cover will help to protect them when they wake up from hibernation and search for food. A pile of leaf litter in particular is well received - so don’t be hasty throwing away your Autumn leaf piles!

2. Avoid pesticides 

Avoid using pesticides and fertilisers as not only do they cause severe damage to hedgehogs and other forms of wildlife, but they’re also not needed - hedgehogs love to snack on slugs and snails, which means that they’re also managing the pest control for you!

3. Hedgehog Highways

Did you know that hedgehogs can travel up to 12 miles a night? This often involves crossing busy roads, and scurrying around gardens. Homeowners can help to protect them as they travel around by creating ‘hedgehog highways’. Simply create a small hole at the bottom of the fence to allow hedgehogs to feed and find a mate - roughly 13 x 13cm (the size of a CD case) will do the trick!

4. Hogging the food

Hedgehogs love to eat, but they have sensitive stomachs, with milk and bread often causing digestive issues. Instead, try placing down some fresh water and canned pet food to keep their bellies healthy and full. This will also help them to achieve the ideal weight before they go into hibernation, which is crucial for hoglets born later down the line.

5. Hedgehog-friendly bonfires

For those who may be building bonfires this year, it’s important to ensure that you’re protecting the local wildlife in the process. This includes building your bonfire on the same day that it is going to be lit, and ensuring this is done on open ground, as ground covered with leaves may be harbouring a hedgehog.If you have to build it in advance, add chicken wire across the bottom up to one metre in height, so curious hedgehogs are unable to climb up.

Make sure to always manually check your bonfire before lighting it too.