With warmer weather on the way, many of us are returning to our gardens – and we’re not the only ones. Spring marks the end of hibernation for hedgehogs, as they emerge in search of food, water and safe shelter. But hidden hazards in our outdoor spaces can obstruct their movement and, in some cases, cause serious harm.
‘Every year, thousands of hedgehogs are needlessly injured or killed in our gardens by mowers, strimmers, pesticides, netting and uncovered drains,’ says Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. ‘With hedgehog populations in steep decline across the UK, we’re urging people to act now – a few small changes can make a life-saving difference to a hedgehog.’
Below, we explain what to look out for – and how to address these issues so hedgehogs can move safely and freely through your garden.
1. Check your garden before mowing or strimming
No Mow May is a popular way to support wildlife – but if you are cutting your lawn or strimming borders, it’s essential to check long grass and beneath hedges first.
‘Hedgehogs love these areas, and could easily be sleeping or hiding in them,’ explains Andy Simms from MyBuilder. ‘Walk through your lawn and check for hedgehogs before mowing, and carefully check under hedges.’
It only takes around 30 seconds, but it can prevent serious injury. Make it a habit every time you mow or trim, especially at this time of year when warmer weather encourages faster growth.
2. Avoid using pesticides or slug pellets
While hedgehogs are a welcome garden visitor, slugs and snails are less so – often feasting on the leaves of your favourite plants. However, chemical pesticides used to control them can be extremely harmful to hedgehogs.
‘Chemical pesticides, including slug pellets, can poison the whole food chain, so keep hedgehogs and other wildlife safe by embracing nature and using more wildlife-friendly alternatives,’ says Andy.
Fortunately, there are plenty of natural ways to deter pests without causing harm. ‘Beer traps’ – partially covered bowls of beer sunk into the ground – can help control slugs, while sprinkling coffee grounds around the base of plants is another simple, wildlife-friendly option.
The sale and use of slug pellets containing metaldehyde has been banned in the UK since April 2022 as it poses an 'unacceptable risk' to wildlife.
3. Protect them from water
Whether it’s a paddling pool for little ones or a pond for frogs, garden water features can pose a risk to hedgehogs.
‘Hedgehogs are surprisingly good climbers and swimmers – but steep-sided ponds or paddling pools and drains can quickly become slippery death traps,’ Andy warns.
To reduce the risk, always cover paddling pools when not in use, or empty the water and store them away. Drains should be securely covered too, either with a proper manhole cover or a temporary solution such as a weighted, water-filled bag. For ponds, add an escape route – a simple ramp, like a wide piece of timber, will help hedgehogs climb out safely.
4. Watch your pets
Have a four-legged friend? As adorable as they are, dogs and cats can be intimidating for hedgehogs – and sometimes dangerous.
‘Even the friendliest dog can get a bit too close for comfort for a hedgehog and is unfortunately a common cause of injury or death,’ says Andy. ‘If you’re letting your dog out at dusk or night, always supervise.’
Motion-activated solar lights can also help keep your garden visible while hedgehogs are active. If you have a cat, keep food bowls close to the house and consider adding a tunnel-style hedgehog feeding station elsewhere, so they don’t have to compete for food.
5. Leave constant access
To make your garden truly hedgehog-friendly, ensure they can get in and out easily. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and can roam up to 1–2km each night, so access to multiple gardens is essential for feeding and shelter.
‘To ensure this level of space for hedgehogs, cut out a 13cm x 13cm square gaps at the bottom of your fence,’ says Andy. ‘Alternatively, you can dig a channel underneath your fence if you don’t want to put a hole through it.’
For an even more wildlife-friendly approach, consider swapping fencing for hedging, which allows natural movement while also providing shelter. Just be sure to check with your neighbours before making any changes.
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