Hedgehogs are a wonderful sight in gardens, and there’s one simple food that can attract them to your outdoor space this autumn
There is one food that draws them into your garden(Image: Getty)
As autumn draws near, hedgehogs will become increasingly visible in your local area, and with a bit of luck and one simple trick – you might even create a sanctuary for them in your own back garden.
Hedgehogs play a vital role in the ecosystem, and the proper garden setting can become a hedgehog paradise if it offers plenty of nutritious food sources and protected areas for hibernation.
They’re frequent garden visitors due to the diverse food available, as they forage for insects and worms, caterpillars, beetles and various other invertebrates.
However, if your outdoor area lacks insects, there’s one surprising food item you can offer to keep them content this season.
Setting out food and fresh water in the garden during the evenings can attract hedgehogs and encourage repeat visits, but there’s one specific item that will prove especially popular with these small creatures, just as it does with some of your household pets.
That’s correct, the very same food your cats or dogs happily consume is also a hit with wild hedgehogs, according to the RSPCA. By leaving out some tinned meaty cat or dog food and crushed cat or dog biscuits, they’re likely to come scuttling along.
Ensure the food is placed in shallow dishes so they can reach it without difficulty, and remember to replace it daily, removing any food that remains uneaten. Certain foods should be kept away from hedgehogs entirely, particularly anything containing milk.
These small creatures are lactose intolerant, which can lead to diarrhoea, while bread also poses a risk, primarily due to its complete lack of nutritional value for them.
Beyond diet, creating a natural shelter for hedgehogs can encourage them to return to your garden, transforming it into a welcoming haven. Leaving piles of leaves, logs or compost in place rather than clearing them away gives hedgehogs a greater opportunity to construct their own nest, though many wildlife enthusiasts like to go a step further.
Some people choose to purchase a purpose-built hedgehog house or construct one from timber, as well as establishing ‘hedgehog highways’. This involves cutting holes in fences to enable them to travel freely between gardens, undisturbed, during their search for food.
The RSPCA has outlined several factors that can endanger hedgehogs, and it’s worth taking note of these if you’re hoping to attract them to your outdoor space.
One of the most important precautions at this time of year is thoroughly inspecting bonfires before setting them alight, as hedgehogs may be nesting or sheltering within them. Relocating the entire bonfire beforehand gives any small animals concealed inside the chance to escape to safety.
