Why hedgehogs need our help

Hedgehog numbers have fallen sharply over recent decades. Intensive agriculture, sealed surfaces and the use of pesticides have drastically reduced their habitat. In many gardens they now barely find enough food and shelter.

Yet hedgehogs are valuable helpers: they eat slugs, beetles, worms and other insects, and so keep the garden in a healthy balance entirely naturally.

Creating places to retreat

Hedgehogs need safe hiding places for sleeping, resting and hibernating. Piles of leaves, brushwood heaps and dense hedges are ideal. Putting up a hedgehog house gives them an additional sheltered spot.

Gaps to pass through in the fence

Hedgehogs cover up to two kilometres in a single night. A closed garden fence can become an insurmountable barrier for them. A small hole of around 13 x 13 cm is enough to let hedgehogs use your garden as part of their route.

In Germany this initiative is known as the „Igelmeile“ (hedgehog highway) and is actively promoted by many nature conservation groups.

Offering water and food

In dry summer months in particular, hedgehogs barely find any worms and insects. A shallow dish of water and some high-quality hedgehog food can then be a lifesaver.

Important: never offer milk – hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and milk can seriously harm them. Bread is unsuitable too.

Avoiding pesticides

Slug pellets and other pesticides are life-threatening for hedgehogs – either through direct contact or because poisoned slugs are eaten. Choosing natural alternatives protects not only hedgehogs but the garden's entire ecosystem.