Hedgehogs (Latin name - Erinaceus europaeus) help vegetable gardeners by
eating slugs and other pests.
A recent survey by Hogwatch has revealed that the number of hedgehogs in
the UK is declining, and one of the possible reasons is neat gardeners.
Tidy gardens save time for the gardener, but vegetable gardeners should
consider providing an untidy corner for the hedgehog, as hedgehogs work
alongside the gardener and help with biological control of pests.
A small pile of twigs and logs, covered with leaves, will provide a good
hiding place for hedgehogs.
Other tips to make the vegetable garden hedgehog-friendly are:
Bonfires - use a proper incinerator or move the pile to be burnt
just before setting fire to it to ensure that no hedgehog has made
a home in the rubbish
Netting -hedgehogs get caught up in nettin - sokeep it well above ground, so the hedgehogs can walk under it without getting caught up in it. Never leave bundles of netting out in the garden. Plastic coated wire is a good alternative
Ponds- provide escape ladders, or gentle slopes on at least one of the sides of the pond. Provide a shallow dish of water for birds and hedgehogs.
Drains
Fences- check fences regularly to make sure hedgehogs are not caught up in them, or under them if they blow over.
Wild Patches
Slug Pellets -
will kill hedgehogs, so use sparingly and pick up dead slugs
- are ideal for hedgehogs, but take care the animals are not cut when mowing or strimmingCompost- keep drain holes covered
Hedgehogs (Latin name - Erinaceus europaeus) help vegetable gardeners by
eating slugs and other pests.
A recent survey by Hogwatch has revealed that the number of hedgehogs in
the UK is declining, and one of the possible reasons is neat gardeners.
Tidy gardens save time for the gardener, but vegetable gardeners should
consider providing an untidy corner for the hedgehog, as hedgehogs work
alongside the gardener and help with biological control of pests.
A small pile of twigs and logs, covered with leaves, will provide a good
hiding place for hedgehogs.
Other tips to make the vegetable garden hedgehog-friendly are:
Bonfires - use a proper incinerator or move the pile to be burnt
just before setting fire to it to ensure that no hedgehog has made
a home in the rubbish
Netting -hedgehogs get caught up in nettin - sokeep it well above ground, so the hedgehogs can walk under it without getting caught up in it. Never leave bundles of netting out in the garden. Plastic coated wire is a good alternative
Ponds- provide escape ladders, or gentle slopes on at least one of the sides of the pond. Provide a shallow dish of water for birds and hedgehogs.
Drains
Fences- check fences regularly to make sure hedgehogs are not caught up in them, or under them if they blow over.
Wild Patches
Slug Pellets -
will kill hedgehogs, so use sparingly and pick up dead slugs
- are ideal for hedgehogs, but take care the animals are not cut when mowing or strimmingCompost- keep drain holes covered