Hedgehog Awareness Week: Simple Steps to Support Hedgehogs in Your Garden

Hedgehog Awareness Week is your chance to make a real difference to one of the UK’s most much-loved garden visitors. From 3rd–9th May, we’re inviting you to take simple, practical steps that help hedgehogs survive and thrive right outside your door.

At CJ Wildlife, we’re proud to support the incredible work of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), who lead this important awareness week and continue to champion hedgehog conservation across the UK.

Together, small actions can create safer, more connected habitats for hedgehogs everywhere.

This Hedgehog Awareness Week, inspired by BHPS, commit to one or more of these simple actions. Each one helps create a safer, richer habitat for hedgehogs.

Create Hedgehog Highways: Make small 13cm x 13cm gaps in fences or walls so hedgehogs can move freely between gardens. Always speak with neighbours first, together, you can create a connected network of safe spaces.

Build a Wild Corner: Leave areas a little untidy. Log piles, leaf heaps and wild edges provide shelter and attract natural food like insects and beetles.

Check Before You Garden: Before mowing, strimming or cutting hedges, take a moment to check for hedgehogs. This simple habit can save lives.

Go Wildlife-Friendly: Avoid pesticides and chemicals. A natural garden supports the insects hedgehogs rely on for food.

Make Your Garden Safe: Lift netting at least 30cm off the ground and tidy away loose nets. These can easily trap and injure hedgehogs.

Provide Fresh Water: Leave out shallow water dishes all year round. Add a few pebbles so smaller creatures like bees and butterflies can drink safely too.

Get Involved from Home: Support national conservation efforts, including programmes linked with BHPS, by helping monitor hedgehogs from the comfort of your home.

Hedgehog Awareness Week is led by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, whose work helps protect hedgehogs through education, conservation and research.

By taking part, you’re not just helping hedgehogs in your own garden – you’re contributing to a nationwide effort to restore habitats and protect biodiversity.

What do hedgehogs eat? Hedgehogs feed on insects, beetles, worms and other invertebrates. You can also support them with specially formulated hedgehog food.

When are hedgehogs most active? They are mainly active at night, especially during spring and summer when food is plentiful.

Do hedgehogs need water? Yes, fresh water is essential all year round, particularly during dry or warm periods.