Hedgehogs are found in different places all over the country. They reside in both urban and rural locations and are most at home in fields, parks and woodland areas.
 

As their name suggests, hedgehogs like to live near hedges and bushes. The rise of development has caused a significant reduction in the number of safe, habitable areas for hedgehogs. The number of hedgehogs has fallen over the years, it’s more important than ever to help safeguard the species and help ensure that they can thrive in their natural habitats.

Hedgehogs are often found in gardens as well as

parks and woodlands. They enjoy bushes, hedges,

flower beds and areas that provide shelter as well

as a good source of food. Hedgehogs feed on

insects, worms, slugs, berries, birds eggs and all

manner of beatles and critters. They have a

large appetite for such a small animal and spend

a lot of their time foraging for food. Hedgehogs

also need a source of water and a cozy dry area

to sleep.

Hedgehogs enjoy burrowing, foraging and climbing

and are often found in overgrown areas rather than

large open spaces. Hedgehogs are solitary animals

and avoid encroaching on each others territory. They rarely interact with each other and only do so when mating or when raising their
litter.

A female hedgehog will generally give birth to around 3-5 baby hedgehogs. The baby hedgehog pups gain independence relatively quickly and leave their mother when they are around 6 weeks old. It’s important for a hedgehog to have a safe habitat when they are raising their litter to provide shelter and food for the growing pups.

Hedgehogs prefer dry areas and are not usually found in damp or wet locations. Areas with grass, shrubberies and foliage are ideal for hedgehogs as they can easily find materials to build their nests.

Hedgehogs normally have more than one nest which they move between. They are nocturnal so they spend their days sleeping and their nights foraging for food. Hedgehogs hibernate in winter, they use grass, leave and foliage to build their nests to create a cozy home for the cold winter
months. It’s important for hedgehogs to have a safe environment so that they can shelter themselves from the elements and stay safe during their hibernation period.

With hedgehogs residing on farmland, allotments and gardens as well as meadows and woodland, you may be lucky enough to see one. If you see a hedgehog in your garden, remove anything that could cause them any harm and make sure you don’t disturb their nest. You can also help the
hedgehog by making sure there are gaps in your fence or hedges so they can move freely from garden to garden. Creating a hedgehog highway is a great way to help keep hedgehogs safe.