Reach out to a spiky friend and invite them to stay in your outdoor space
Having a hedgehog visiting your garden is pretty special. In our May Inspire issue (in shops and available to buy from our online shop now), our Magical Creatures slot celebrates the hedgehog. Turn to page 64 to read all about our favourite hedge-dwelling hogs.
At this time of year, hedgehogs are putting the finishing touches to their homes and getting ready for mating season. So what better time to build a hedgehog hotel? If you want to provide a dedicated boutique bolthole or a simple bothy for hedgehogs, hedgehogstreet.org has some good ideas, whatever your budget or DIY expertise.
Self-catering hedgehog hostel
One of the best habitats you can provide is actually just to leave an area of your garden be. A compost or a wood pile that hasn’t been disturbed for a while is a favourite place for hedgehogs to lay their heads. And because insects will also make these areas their homes, your hedgehogs will never go hungry… there’s a full room service menu of grubs and bugs for them to choose from!
Simple hedgehog B&B
Use an upside-down crate or plastic storage box (add a few air holes) and cut an entrance into the front 13cm square. Cover the box with plastic sheeting and cover that with twigs and leaves. Finally, add a comfy bed (some pet straw or dry leaves).
Five-star hedgehog hotel
Using untreated wood, nail together a box. Leave the ‘roof’ loose so you can get in to clean it out when it’s uninhabited. Add batons underneath to lift it off the ground slightly and stop it getting too damp. Add a narrow tunnel at the front to prevent predators getting their noses in. You can find an easy to follow plan on the RSPB’s website.
Whatever type of dwelling you go for, remember not to put food in it. Hedgehogs like their food a little way away from their beds. And it’s best to locate it at the boundary of your garden, within five metres of the house. If you also ensure that there are some gaps under your walls or fences, you’ll make it easier for hedgehogs to find you.
If you like the spiky little chap illustrated above by Zuza Misko, you might like to know that you can buy a print of him for £15 from our online shop. It’s one of four of our Magical Creatures that is available as a print.
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