How can you help hedgehogs in Fifield…?
Anecdotally, hedgehogs are now seen less frequently in Fifield, this fits with the situation nationally. In the Green Fifield survey more than 40% of those who responded said they would consider adding a hedgehog house to their garden. So, we have pulled together this guide from information provided by expert hedgehog and wildlife charities to help those who wish to help these treasured little critters.
They do need our help…
- Since 1995 the hedgehog population of the UK is estimated to have fallen by more than 65%, with fewer than 500k hedgehogs now (compared to 1.5m in 1995). (wildlifetrusts.org)
- In 2020 the hedgehog was classified as vulnerable to extinction and placed on the red list for British Mammals (British Hedgehog Preservation Society, britishhedgehogs.org.uk)
The hedgehog and wildlife charities encourage us to:
- Put down food (meaty hedgehog, cat or dog food, or cat biscuits) and a shallow dish of water in a quiet corner of the garden. Do not put down milk.
- Create 13cm x 13cm gaps for hedgehogs to pass through walls / fences. The average hedgehog roams 2km per night! Tips here: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-create-hedgehog-hole
- Provide shelter for them to rest, nest and hibernate. Shelters can be log piles, compost heaps, hedgerows, beneath sheds/outbuildings etc. or can be purpose-made hedgehog houses.
How to make a Hedgehog House
There seem to be three options for purpose-made hedgehog houses; luxury, solid but simple, or hedgehog pre-fab. Any option is better than nothing!!
The basic principles of a hedgehog home:
- They should have a large compartment which is insulated from cold and heat, with a layer of dead, dry leaves (ideally small leaved species such as birch, oak, hawthorn or hazel).
- Ideally, there would be a smaller entrance corridor which will keep your hedgehogs safe from badgers, dogs or other predators
- Hedgehogs can be a little fussy about where they live. The box needs to be out of direct sunlight and the front entrance should be out of the wind.
Hedgehog House examples
- Luxury
(detailed designs can be found on any of the websites listed in this guide)
2. Solid but simple
(proven success with this design in the local area)
3. Hedgehog Pre-Fab
NOTE: if you find a hedgehog injured you can take it to our local vets in Stow / Milton / Burford free of charge.
Useful websites: