A good nest is vitally important to hedgehogs. This allows them to succesfully make it through their hibernation. A nest is often made under a pile of logs, in a compost heap or a pile of leaves. However a lot of the time our neatly organised landscape doesnt provide the hedgehog with a place to build a nest. This hedgehog basket is, an imitation of a natural nest, the perfect home for a hedgehog. Place the hedgehog basket on a somewhat dry surface in a sheltered and quiet spot in the garden. Scatter some loose leaves in the basket. Then cover the basket with a thick layer of leaves, then a plastic tarp and then another layer of leaves, twigs and other natural material. The opening should remain free and preferably not be pointed towards the north or northeast. It is important that the construction is sturdy enough, so that dogs and badgers can not easily destroy it.
Many gardeners welcome hedgehogs as just another garden visitor – akin to birds and other beneficial wildlife – that gobble up slugs and snails. ... Hedgehogs were first brought over by acclimatisation societies to remind settlers of their homeland and then later introduced in greater numbers to help control garden pests. Hedgehog numbers are in decline. In rural areas, intensive agriculture has led to the fragmentation of habitats such as copses and hedges, resulting in fewer places to nest, hibernate and forage for food. Roads and motorways carve up habitats and create hazards. The use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides may be behind the decline in their food, such as caterpillars, beetles and worms. The good news, however, is that there is plenty that gardeners can do to help.
Along with Parnell+co. and Esschert Desgin, helping the hedgehogs has never been so easy. Children will love helping set out our Hedgehog house in hopes of getting a glimpes of these cute critters. every little bit helps and together we can make a differents to our enviroment.