World_of_Animals_Issue_46_2017

Gardening gone wild
Hedgehogs help
to keep your
garden slug-free
Hedgehogs are familiar icons of the
countryside in the UK, and their presence in
our gardens is a welcome sight. These snuffling
critters are a worthy ally for gardeners,
gobbling up pests like slugs and beetles in
order to fatten themselves up in time for their
winter hibernation.
Unfortunately, gardeners don’t always return
the favour by looking out for hedgehogs. Many
of our everyday activities can be harmful to
these spiny mammals. From mowing the lawn
to lighting bonfires and leaving out slug pellets,
seemingly harmless outdoor chores can lead
to fatal consequences for the hedgehogs that
inhabit our gardens. Sadly, this means that
hedgehog populations are declining rapidly,
with recent reports showing that their numbers
have declined by more than 30 per cent in the
last decade or so.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to help
hedgehogs in their fight for survival. One step
is to assess your garden for hedgehog hazards.
Slug pellets and pesticides should be avoided
wherever possible; bonfires should be checked
thoroughly before being set alight; and bricks
should be placed on the inner edges of ponds
to provide hedgehogs with a safe way out.
Leaving out a pile of logs will also help
hedgehogs, attracting a range of insects for
them to eat and providing a shady place for
them to hide during the day.
Hedgehogs
are nocturnal,
so rarely seen
during the day
Hedgehog hazards
Bonfires
Hedgehogs seek refuge
in woodpiles, not realising
the risk they face when the
bonfire is lit. Always check
your bonfire thoroughly
before lighting it.
Ponds
Although hedgehogs can
swim, they sometimes
become trapped in steepsided
ponds. Bricks can be
used to create steps for the
soggy critters to climb out.
Slug pellets
Slug pellets can be fatal if
ingested by hedgehogs.
Sprinkle ground shells
around your plants
instead for a nontoxic pest
prevention method.
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