Time does fly, and it’s that time of year once again when we begin to think about one of our most beloved and striking species, the hedgehog. This hard-working and no-nonsense creature has been subject of much controversy over the previous decade, not least because of its rapid and unfortunate decline. In recent reports, such as those surrounding the Cumbrian floods in December 2015, hedgehog populations have reduced so much that analogies such as ‘hedgehogs are a rare as tigers’ are commonly used.
So, Hedgehog Awareness Week aims to create a platform for the hedgehog, to raise its profile and bring to light it’s plight. From the 1st May to the 7th May, there will be a rallying call with hedgehog events all over the country. The focus of the 2016 event will be on strimmers and cutting machines and how they can cause miserable destruction and damage to hedgehogs.
So what can you do this year to help out?
- create reasonable access for hedgehogs in your garden
- cover drains and holes
- carefully check any compost before sticking a garden fork inside
- ensure ease of exit from ponds and pools
There’s also a ton of further information on the official British Hedgehog Preservation Society website. Also, don’t forget to look at some of the fantastic hedgehog products we have on offer at www.gardenbird.co.uk/hedgehog.
Hope week goes well.2 years ago we had at least 12 hedgehogs of various ages feeding in our garden regularly. Last year this was down to 7 regulars but no litters and babies. So far only 3 regulars this year. Favourite food in our garden…mealworms!!
Can’t claim to have as many hedgehogs visiting as Roz, but we have also seen a decline in the hedgehogs visiting our garden. We leave food and water out every evening and the favourite food is definitely mealworms.
We have two regular hedgehogs to our garden and one that comes occasionally.
They eat the peanuts and suet pellets we put out. We also have a resident fox that visits every night.
A couple of Hedgehogs are again between my garden and neighbours garden, though, I keep since last summer,two Hedgehogs houses . They arrive a month ago, I supplement their food because my garden is a bit tidy and they prefer untidy gardens and that is why they go to my neighbours once they have eaten the food I put down (the rascals) The first night I saw them two, they were fighting, at least I thought so, they could be matting I don’t know, but I went to put food down and touch both (like saying stop fighting) then they went separated ways and came back for the food
Every night they come because Every morning I have to clean some Poohs they leave behind
I also have to point out that, after 5/6 years since I saw a Song Thrush. Finally, there is one in my garden, it comes to pick from the ground where birds drop their food wich it is mostly Fat balls Naturally the other competitor is the Black Birth that fights tooth & nail with Song Thrush bird