IS YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS HEDGEHOG FRIENDLY?

1 HELP WITH NESTING PLACES A purpose-built hedgehog house in a quiet spot will give your garden guests a luxurious nest site.

2 CREATE EASY ACCESS

Ponds supply insect prey and drinking water. The best design has a sloping gravel ‘beach’ for the hogs.

3 ESTABLISH A WILD AREA

A tussocky patch is a perfect daytime nesting area. Sow part of your lawn with native grass and wildflowers. 4 PROVIDE LEAFY BEDDING Piles of dead leaves left after autumn can be used for nesting.

5 CULTIVATE A COMPOST HEAP

Decaying garden waste supports nutritious creepy crawlies. Choose an accessible spot for your compost mound and don’t cover it up.

6 MAKE THROUGH ROUTES

Cut 13cm x 13cm holes in your fences at ground level. Hedgehogs need to be able to roam for food.

7 GIVE NATURAL SHELTER

A wood pile provides abundant insect food together with a sheltered spot to start a family.

8 AID THE GREAT ESCAPE

Make small tunnels underneath fence panels to give hedgehogs access to neighbouring gardens.

9 OFFER A MEAL

Supplement natural foods with meat-based cat or dog food, crushed unsalted peanuts and mealworms.

10 PREVENT DROWNING

If a neighbour’s pond has steep paving sides, suggest they add plants or a ramp so hogs can escape.

Crossing roads while roaming their territory can be fatal for hedgehogs. Your neighbourhood could be a hedgehog paradise. Here are some ways you can help create a safe haven for Britain’s favourite mammal.