Gardeners across the UK are being encouraged to bore holes in their fences before the winter chill hits, in a bid to save the nation's
The spiny creatures have seen a sharp decline due to climate change and modern practices, which include decisions about how we maintain our homes and gardens. Hedgehogs, known for their appetite for pests like slugs and snails, are excellent at keeping these garden nuisances at bay, protecting our cherished fruit, veg and flowers.
However, their numbers have plummeted recently, with one cause being the rise of impenetrable walls and fences around properties. As the wildlife specialists at NHBS highlight: "Research suggests that this is partly because it is becoming harder for hedgehogs to move freely due to an increase in the number of solid walls and fences being erected around gardens.
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"This reduces the available foraging area and so restricts the amount of food that they can eat as well as reducing the possibility of meeting a mate." They advise: "Creating a hole in a garden wall or fence will allow your local hedgehogs to pass through from garden to garden safely." Help hedgehogs roam free in your garden by creating a passageway for them.
It can be as simple as cutting a small, hedgehog-sized hole at the bottom of your fence or raising the entire panel just enough for a hedgehog to sneak underneath – but not so high that it allows human access, You could also trim a few inches off the bottom of your fence for a quick solution. Don't worry about inviting more cats in; they already have the agility to jump over six-foot fences with ease.
For those looking to install a robust and professional entry point, NHBS offers a sturdy hedgehog hole fence plate with metal reinforcement. NHBS explains: "A hole measuring 13cm by 13cm is the right size for a hedgehog to pass through but too small for most pets.
"Once you have made your hole in the fence or wall, you can fix the Eco Hedgehog Hole Plate to the fence, ensuring that the hole does not get blocked or stretched. The plate has six screw holes, three along each side, which can be used to fix the plate to your fence or wall. Additional holes can be made in the plastic if required."
