Hedgehogs rely on dry, sheltered spaces for hibernation during winter and for resting safely during the day. Nursing females also need secure nest sites in spring and summer. A purpose-built hedgehog house offers protection from predators, disturbance and harsh weather. Position it:

• In a quiet, shaded area
• Against a wall, fence or under cover
• Away from areas prone to flooding

Add dry leaves inside so they can build a warm, insulated nest. A well-placed hedgehog house can become a life-saving refuge.

Hedgehogs travel up to a mile every night in search of food and mates. But modern fencing has fragmented their habitats.

Cut a 13cm x 13cm gap at the base of your fence or remove a brick from a wall to connect gardens. This simple action, known as a Hedgehog Highway, allows safe movement between feeding and nesting areas.

It takes minutes to create and can transform an isolated garden into part of a vital wildlife corridor.

Hedgehogs thrive in natural, messy spaces. Leave a section of long grass, native shrubs or wildflowers to provide cover and attract insects. Helpful features include:

• Leaf piles
• Log stacks
• Undisturbed corners
• Native flowering plants

Wild areas increase beetles, caterpillars and other invertebrates, the natural diet hedgehogs depend on. A slightly wilder garden is a far richer one.

Hedgehogs are insectivores, feeding naturally on beetles, slugs, worms and caterpillars. Habitat loss means supplementary feeding can make a real difference, especially for nursing females, juveniles gaining weight before hibernation or hedgehogs emerging in spring with depleted fat reserves.

Avoid bread and milk, which can cause serious digestive issues. Instead offer:

• Specially formulated hedgehog food
• Meat-based (not fish) cat or dog food
• Clean, fresh water in a shallow bowl

A hedgehog feeding house helps keep food dry and reduces access by cats, foxes and dogs.

Wildlife ponds are brilliant for biodiversity, but steep sides can become death traps. Ensure ponds have:

• Gently sloping sides
• A simple escape ramp such as a plank or stones

Also check cattle grids, drainage channels and similar features for safe exit routes. Small adjustments prevent avoidable fatalities.

Gardens can unintentionally harm hedgehogs. Take care to:

• Lift football netting off the ground at night
• Keep fruit netting taut and raised
• Clear litter promptly
• Avoid slug pellets wherever possible

Slug pellets can poison hedgehogs indirectly when they eat contaminated prey. Consider natural alternatives such as beer traps or copper tape instead.

Many hedgehog injuries are caused by strimmers and lawnmowers. Before cutting long grass:

• Check thoroughly underneath shrubs
• Give a high “top cut” first
• Rake away clippings
• Return later for a lower trim

Always move bonfire piles before lighting them. Hedgehogs frequently nest in stacked leaves and garden waste, and won’t recognise the danger.