Hi ARH
The most important thing to do is to make sure there are access holes under fences to as many gardens as possible and to make your garden hedgehog friendly and encourage others to do likewise. It’s good to hear there are plenty of hedgerows nearby.
There is a little film, you might be interested in watching
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/happy-new-year-from-hedgehog-street-2/
There are also loads of tips on Hedgehog Street it is really worth having a look:
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/
and follow the different headings.
I would try putting a bit of food out first – cat food or hedghog food and of course water. Then if any hogs find you, you can introduce hog houses, etc. But they are more likely to explore if your garden is wildlife friendly. Try to make sure there isn’t too much bird food spilt. The hedgehogs will eat it, but most of it isn’t good for them. Watch out for cats eating the food you put out for the hedgehogs – if this becomes a problem you might need to try to make a cat proof feeding station. There are lots of tips on that sort of thing on the forum.
I feed the hogs near to my house with an outdoor light left on so that I can watch the hogs out of the window and they don’t mind that at all, although I think aren’t so keen on security lights which go on and off.
Of course the other thing to mention is that most hogs are hibernating at the moment, but some start to emerge in March and by some time in May most will be back – so you have a bit of time to prepare.
Good luck. I hope some hedgehogs find you soon.
