Raring2go! Rochdale

Raring2go! Make sure there is a hole in your gate or fence for them to get in and out of your garden. Hedgehogs don’t survive well in small spaces and walk up to 2 miles per night on their little adventures. Register your Hedgehog Hole at www.hedgehogstreet.org and even see their very BIG Hedgehog Map with all the other holes in your area! Install a hedgehog house somewhere quiet in the garden and let that corner grow wild, allow piles of leaves or logs to remain so they can snuffle around for insects and snails. If you’d like to feed them leave out meaty (not fish) cat or dog food and a bowl of clean water. Cat biscuits will be easier for them to eat as the pieces are smaller but don’t leave out bread of milk as it can upset their delicate little stomachs. Don’t use slug pellets that will poison hedgehogs. Hedgehog friendly alternatives are readily available from the shops or try household deterrents such as egg shells or coffee grounds to deter slugs. Take care if lighting a bonfire to make sure that no hedgehogs have made it their home. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, if you see one out in the day it is likely to be ill and in need of attention. To find your nearest rescue centre please go to www.helpwildlife.co.uk Always check with an expert before trying to help it yourself. Most hedgehogs will usually hibernate from November to March. If you see one out during this time it may well have been dis- turbed and look- ing for a new nesting site but if it’s stagger- ing or small it might not be able to go hi- bernate and may need your help. Hedgehogs are not natural swimmers! If you have a pond please make sure there is a ramp or a slope to help them get out if they have fallen in. Make sure any litter, bin bags or loose wire is removed from your garden to stops hedge- hogs getting caught up or in- jured. If you do have a hedgehog living in your garden you might want to ask Father Christmas for a Night Wildlife Camera so you can keep a watchful eye on your spikey little friend. Caring for Hedgehogs in your garden These slug munching little critters are your garden’s friend but their numbers are declining and they’d love your help. If you’d like to be part of the solution and make a difference, try these tips to make your garden hedgehog friendly. 19