Monthly Top Tips: March
5th March 2020
Link gardens via 13cm ‘Hedgehog Highways’ so that hedgehogs have enough space to roam for food and shelter.
Hedgehogs are typically only 20-30cm long, but despite their small size can travel an average of 2km (1.2 miles) in a single night, sometimes more! They need to travel this far in their search for suitable food and shelter, and at certain times of the year for mating partners.
For urban and suburban hedgehogs, access between gardens is therefore crucial. Unfortunately, walls and fences between our gardens reduce the amount of land available to hedgehogs. You can ensure hedgehogs have enough space by creating a Hedgehog Highway to connect gardens.
Step 1: Make your highway
All it takes is a small gap, around 13cm x 13cm.
Ideas for how to do this:
- Remove a brick from the bottom of the wall.
- Carefully cut a small hole in your fence if there are no gaps already.
- Dig a channel underneath your wall, fence or gate.
- Remember, linking front and back gardens is important too!
Step 2: Label your highway
By installing a Hedgehog Highway sign, or marking the hole in some way, this will ensure that it will not be blocked in the future.
You can buy a recycled plastic Hedgehog Highway sign from the PTES and BHPS online shops.
Step 3: Log your highway
Record your Hedgehog Highway (and any hedgehogs) on the BIG Hedgehog Map.
Step 4: Spread the word!
Why not encourage neighbours, friends and family to install Hedgehog Highways as well. You could also take a photo of your highway (and any hedgehogs using it) and share on social media!
#HedgehogHighway #HedgehogStreet
If you haven’t already, why not download the free Hedgehog Street app, so that you can receive monthly tips and updates straight to your phone or tablet.
