Spring is when green-fingered Brits get outside and get their gardens into tip-top shape. But whilst digging into the springtime tasks, gardeners are being urged to cut a small hole in their fences for one crucial reason.
Hedgehogs are a favourite among many outdoor enthusiasts thanks to their charismatic appearance, often topping the polls as the UK’s favourite garden mammals. But the cute critters have seen a drastic decline in population over the years and they need our help. MyBuilder.com has now offered a vital tip to help British households give beloved hedgehogs a better chance at survival – all the more important this week as temperatures heat up, which can mean trouble for them with potential dangers including dehydration, difficulty finding food and potential sunburn.
Hedgehog numbers have declined by a whopping 75% in the last 20 years, which is largely due to their habitat being destroyed by the expansion of urban areas and housing developments.
In fact, MyBuilder data has revealed that 25% of Brits have never seen a hedgehog in the wild, with this statistic rising to 40% of those aged 18-34 year-olds.
To support those gardeners who want to turn their garden into a safe place for hedgehogs, and to further raise bolster Hedgehog Awareness Week, commencing on May 4, skilled garden experts from MyBuilder have put together a guide of simple steps you can take in your garden to save the hedgehogs.
Gardening expert at MyBuilder.com, James Lewis, said that Brits with an outside space can take steps to support hedgehogs.
He said: “Even if you only have a small garden or driveway area, there are improvements you can make to support hedgehogs.
“A really important step to take is to make sure that the animals can access your garden from other areas, so cutting a small hole in the bottom of fencing or hedging can be really beneficial to them.
“Building a hedgehog house is also a great way to help provide shelter and protection – and can easily be done with a small amount of timber.”
Sharon Jacobs, a senior nurse from the wildlife hospital at Tiggywinkle’s and a specialist in hedgehogs, further added how gardens are a vital resource to help the animals.
She said: “This guide provides great basic steps for British gardeners to take to really create an area that is supportive to the safety and health of hedgehogs.”
MyBuilder.com expert guide on how to turn your garden into a hedgehog sanctuary at this time of year including doing these things which include:
- Leave some areas wild
- Avoid using pesticides or slug pellets
- Check your garden before mowing
- Build a hedgehog home
- Cover drains
- Leave constant access
- Consider losing a panel if you live in a new build