It is at this time that many people will be looking for ways to protect the UK’s wildlife ahead of Bonfire Night this weekend.
Here are Barratt Developments Yorkshire East’s top tips for protecting hedgehogs in your local area in autumn and winter.
RSPB researchers have found a shocking 30 million decrease in hedgehog populations across England, Scotland, and Wales since the 1950s.
Several factors contribute to hedgehog decline, including pesticides, fertilizers, road traffic, and a lack of wildlife corridors for them to travel safely. According to Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, people can also support them in a variety of ways.
Leave a little mess
There’s nothing wrong with a little mess, and for hedgehogs, it can even save their lives. When hedgehogs awaken from hibernation and search for food, the cover will help keep them safe. Don’t throw away your Autumn leaf piles too quickly – a pile of leaf litter in particular is well received!
Avoid pesticides
Hedgehogs love to snack on snails and slugs, which means that they’re also managing your pest control for you by eating slugs and snails as well. Don’t use pesticides and fertilisers as they cause serious harm to hedgehogs and other wildlife.
Hedgehog Highways
Hedgehogs can travel as much as 12 miles a night, did you know that? As a result, they often have to cross busy roads, scurry around gardens, and cross busy highways. In order to protect hedgehogs, homeowners can create ‘hedgehog highways’. A 13 x 13cm (the size of a CD case) hole at the bottom of the fence will allow hedgehogs to feed and find a mate.
Hogging the food
Despite their love for food, hedgehogs have sensitive stomachs, making milk and bread difficult for them to digest. Keep their bellies healthy and full by placing down some fresh water and canned pet food. As a result, they will also reach their ideal weight before hibernation, which is crucial for hoglets born later.
Hedgehog-friendly bonfires
It is important to protect the local wildlife while building bonfires this year. It is a good idea to build your bonfire on the same day you intend to light it, and to do so on open ground, as a ground covered in leaves may be home to a hedgehog. If you have to build it in advance, add chicken wire across the bottom up to one metre in height, so curious hedgehogs cannot climb up it.
Before lighting a bonfire, always make sure to check it manually.
As a partner of RSPB for many years, Barratt Developments has worked closely with the organization to identify key research and advice on how to nurture the local wildlife this autumn and winter.
Visit the RSPB’s Nature on Your Doorstep website for more advice and inspiration on helping your local wildlife.
