Households are being told to leave dog food in their garden this September and October in a bid to help a critically endangered wild animal.
The beginning of autumn is a vital time of year for hedgehogs in our gardens, which are at serious risk due to declining populations and need all the help they can get.
The spiky critters need to build vital fat reserves at this time of year, as well as find a safe space to hibernate. Experts at ecology firm Arbtech say there are fewer than a million hedgehogs left in the UK, whereas in the 1950s there were more than 30 million, marking a precipitous decline in just 75 years.
As autumn beings in September and winter looms, hedgehogs will be spending the coming weeks increasing their food intake and building themselves a nest.
And once the hibernation period arrives it can be extremely tough, with the mammals finding themselves vulnerable to freezing, predators, and even starvation if they were unable to build up enough fat reserves.
Leo Plevin from Arbtech said: “Hedgehogs are disappearing before our own eyes, but the good news is that families can make a real difference.”
“Small things like leaving out a bowl of water, creating a gap in your fence, or even just leaving a pile of leaves in your garden can all help hedgehogs to thrive.
“Hibernation is a dangerous time for hedgehogs, but the smallest helping hand could ensure thousands make it through to spring.”
One thing households are being urged to do is leave dog food in their garden this month in a bid to help hungry hedgehogs fatten up before the cold conditions return.
Arbtech says: “Feeding stations are a great way for hedgehogs to safely access food and water away from dogs, cats, and traffic.
“To create a ‘hedgehog cafe’, get a sturdy wooden or plastic box with a removable lid, and create a hedgehog-sized hole at the base of one of the sides. Make sure it’s big enough for a hedgehog to fit inside, along with food and water bowls.
“The best options are plain kitten biscuits or meat-based wet dog or cat food. Specialist hedgehog food can be bought commercially too, but it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t regulated and the quality can vary. Never feed bread as it offers little nutritional value, and always make sure to remove any food that isn’t eaten overnight and replace it with fresh offerings the next evening.”
It adds: “Providing shallow bowls of fresh water can be an important source of water for hedgehogs, who would typically get water from natural sources such as dew on plants, puddles or wildlife ponds. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so never provide milk as it can make them ill.”