British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Knowbury House, LUDLOW, Shropshire. Founded by Major Adrian Coles who pioneered hedgehog escape ramps in cattle grids.
The Wildlife Hospital Trust,(St Tiggywinkles) Aston Road, HADDENHAM, Bucks. The site of Europe's first Wildlife Teaching Hospital. Advice and help for all wildlife rehabilitates. Tel: 01844 292292
Making Your Garden Safer For Hedgehogs
These suggestions will make an area 'hedgehog friendly' and allow them to keep the pests down naturally for you.
HOLES:
Each year, many hedgehogs fall down post holes and open drains. Fill all steep holes with rubble or cover securely.
BONFIRES/COMPOST HEAPS:
Check carefully before forking over or lighting fires. Many hedgehogs get impaled on garden forks or singed in fires.
NETTING:
Hedgehogs get tangled in loose or discarded netting. Horizontal plant nets should be stretched tight and pegged down firmly. Those hung vertically should clear the ground by 6". All unused netting must be put away.
PONDS/WATER BATHS:
Hedgehogs can swim very well but can drown in a steep sided pond. Leave a ramp of bricks as an escape route or drape fine gauge wire netting over the side to provide a means of scrambling out.
LITTER:
4-pack tops, yoghurt cups etc are all potential hedgehog head trappers. Clear away all litter.
STRIMMERS:
Many horrific injuries are caused each year by garden strimmers. 'Sweep' the area with a stick first to ensure there are no slumbering hedgehogs or other wildlife.
FOOD:
In a drought the natural food disappears. Tinned cat or dog food and water (never milk) can be a lifesaver. If placed under a paving slab supported by house bricks, passing cats will be excluded.
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