Hedgehogs in the garden are a good sign: it often means there is enough life, shelter, and food for them to thrive. At the same time, hedgehogs need a little help because modern gardens can contain barriers and hazards such as fences without openings, robotic lawn mowers, nets, and deep edges. With a few simple measures, you can make a big difference – and at the same time get a more natural, resilient garden 🦔🌿.
In this guide, you’ll get a practical walkthrough of how to create a hedgehog-friendly garden: hiding places, water, passages between gardens, winter nests, and what you should avoid.
Hedgehogs are beneficial animals that eat many of the creatures you often don’t want too many of. They are not a miracle solution, but they can be part of a good balance in the garden.
In short: The best thing you can do for hedgehogs is to give them access, shelter, and water – and minimize dangers.
Hedgehogs move around a lot during the night and need to be able to get around. Solid fences can stop them completely.
💡 Tip: A simple passage in a fence can mean that hedgehogs can find both food and winter nesting sites in the local area.
Hedgehogs love places where they can hide during the day and build a nest. It doesn’t have to look pretty – just dry and undisturbed.
In dry periods, water can be crucial. Put out a shallow bowl of fresh water, preferably in a quiet spot.
⚠️ Watch out: Milk is not good for hedgehogs. Water is the safe solution.
The best thing is for the garden to have natural food: insects, larvae, and shelter where small animals live. But in some periods, extra feeding may be relevant if a hedgehog seems undernourished or late in the season has difficulty putting on weight.
In short: Food can be a supplement, but a hedgehog-friendly garden with shelter and water is most important.
If you feed them:
Hedgehogs need a dry, quiet place for winter nesting. Many find a good place on their own, but you can help by providing materials and undisturbed areas.
💡 Tip: If you move a pile of leaves/brushwood during the winter months, do it carefully – a hedgehog may be hibernating there.
⚠️ Watch out for nighttime activities: Many accidents happen in the evening/night, when hedgehogs are moving around.
A healthy hedgehog is typically active in the evening/night and moves purposefully. You should respond if you see signs of problems.
Create access between gardens, provide shelter (brushwood, leaves, dense shrubs), and ensure fresh water. Avoid poison and nighttime hazards.
Hedgehogs eat small animals such as insects, larvae, and other small creatures in soil and ground cover. A varied garden typically provides the most natural food.
No. Water is the best solution. A shallow water bowl can be a big help, especially in dry periods.
Leave leaves and brushwood in a quiet corner, preferably under shrubs. The most important things are dryness, shelter, and minimal disturbance.
They can be a risk because hedgehogs are active at night and often don’t flee quickly. Preferably run it during the day, when hedgehogs typically rest.
Create a small passage at the bottom of the fence so they can pass through. Multiple connections make it easier for them to find food and shelter.
