Gardeners urged to place a bowl of water outside this winter

Gardeners in the UK are being urged to put a bowl of water outside in their gardens as the temperature drops in the coming months. Autumn is a crucial season for hedgehogs as they begin to prepare for hibernation. As the days shorten, these nocturnal creatures become more active in gardens and green spaces, foraging intensely to build up fat reserves that will sustain them through the winter.

Hedgehogs are considered a gardener's ally because they feed on a wide range of common garden pests, including beetles, caterpillars, worms, and other invertebrates. By naturally controlling these populations, hedgehogs help maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem and reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Their nocturnal foraging habits mean they quietly patrol gardens at night, searching through soil, leaf litter, and undergrowth for food.

This makes them a valuable presence in any outdoor space, especially during the growing season when pest activity is high. Encouraging hedgehogs into your garden not only supports wildlife conservation but also benefits plant health and productivity.

According to the experts, hedgehogs drink fresh water and especially in autumn when they are preparing for hibernation. Hedgehogs often struggle to find clean water in the wild, particularly during dry spells or when natural sources freeze in winter.

Experts from WildlifeOnline explained: "An aspect of supplementary feeding that's often overlooked is the provision of fresh water. A readily accessible source of water is just as important as, if not more important than, the food, and this is particularly so if dried food is being offered and during periods of prolonged hot/dry weather.

"The water should be changed every day and is best supplied in a heavy bowl, because hedgehogs are adept at knocking their water and food over."

To support hedgehogs in your garden, it's important to offer suitable food such as tinned dog or cat food and crushed biscuits, or better yet, specially formulated meaty hedgehog food from wildlife suppliers.

Experts from RSPCA suggests to avoid giving them milk or bread, as milk can cause diarrhoea and bread lacks the nutrients they need. Each day, check their food and water bowls, topping them up with fresh supplies and removing any leftovers to prevent spoilage.

They explained that thoroughly cleaning the dishes using hot, soapy water outside the home-not in the kitchen-reduces the risk of spreading disease among hedgehogs that may share the feeding area.