Leaving out fresh water for hedgehogs could 'save a life' in hot spells, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) has said.
Hedgehogs are vulnerable mammals during the summer months, especially when vital food and water are scarce. According to the charity, the high temperatures forecast for this week may result in "bugs and grubs" going further into the ground, becoming inaccessible for hungry hedgehogs.
Want to help? All you need to do is leave a shallow bowl of water in your garden for the prickly creatures to drink from. Make sure you replace it each day to keep it cool and fresh. You could also consider leaving out some hedgehog-friendly food, such as minced meat, tinned dog or cat food (but not fish-based), crushed cat biscuits and chopped boiled eggs. You can also buy specialist hedgehog food from most garden centres and wild bird food suppliers.
"Water and food is scarce for hedgehogs when it's hot and dry, making water available can literally save a life," Fay Vass, CEO at BHPS tells BBC News. "Pop a few pebbles in to make sure insects can escape and if you can, offer visiting hedgehogs some meaty cat or dog food [on a separate bowl] too."
Sadly, research in the State of Britain's Hedgehogs 2022 report found population numbers were down in rural areas by between 30% and 75% since 2000 — although the decline was beginning to stabilise in urban areas.
As well as leaving out water, the experts are urging households to create "hedgehog highways" by making gaps in garden fences. Fay adds: "The message is getting through to make sure habitat is joined up for wildlife. Hedgehogs will travel one to two miles in a night, so that's quite a lot of gardens."
7 stylish garden solar fence lights to illuminate your outdoor space
ELLASAY Outdoor Garden Solar Fence Lights
Add a soft glow to fences, patios and garden walls with these easy-to-fit solar lights. Choose from three light tones to suit the mood, from warm and cosy for evening drinks to brighter, crisper light for pathways and entrances. The shaped lens creates a pretty 3D effect after dark, while solar charging, dusk-to-dawn lighting and a weatherproof finish make them a simple, low-maintenance choice for the garden all year round.
Lights4fun 10 Rattan Ball Solar Powered Fairy String Lights
Add a touch of boho charm to garden fences with these solar-powered rattan ball lights. Each woven shade diffuses a warm white glow that highlights natural textures and creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere after sunset. Strung along fencing, pergolas or outdoor seating areas, they bring decorative interest during the day and a soft ambient light for al fresco dining and summer evenings outdoors.
Bring a golden glow to fences, trellis panels and garden seating areas with this set of hanging solar tea lights. Featuring a delicate gold-effect finish and warm white LEDs, they add a touch of sparkle to outdoor spaces after dark. Hang them from fence hooks, pergolas or nearby branches to create a cosy atmosphere for summer evenings.
This affordable four-pack is a simple way to brighten a fence, wall or planted border after dark. Attach them to a vertical surface and they’ll cast a clean white light downwards, helping to pick out pots, pathways or garden features without trailing cables.
A matte black finish and clean, cylindrical design make this mounted solar light our top pick for contemporary homes. It's fitted with long-life, replaceable LED bulbs, and has an IP44 rating for weather resistance.
Habitat Garden by Sainsburys 20 Bee LED Solar String Lights
These bee-shaped solar lights are a cheerful choice for a fence or pergola. The string has 20 warm white LEDs, so it will add a gentle glow after dark without needing a plug. Try them above a seating area, along a fence panel or woven through a little greenery.
Smart Garden Solar-powered 40 LED Outdoor String lights, Pack of 1
Ideal for evenings alfresco, these 40 solar-powered lights give off a soft warm glow. The cable stretches for 13.7m in total, which means they're perfect for stringing around fences trees, parasols or gazebos.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
