Hedgehog Street, a UK-wide campaign to help halt the decline of British hedgehogs, has launched a new nighttime hedgehog hunt — and they need your help this spring and summer.
A new citizen science initiative known as Hedgehogs After Dark, is calling on Brits to record hedgehog behaviours from their local areas at night, to help conservationists better understand the hidden lives of the prickly creatures, in a bid to help halt their ongoing decline.
As the project's name suggests, you have to record what hedgehogs are up to once the sun goes down. Whether you spot them in your garden or out on a walk, it's incredibly simple for everyone to get involved with, even during lockdown.
"We know gardens are vital habitats for hedgehogs, but we'd like to understand exactly how hedgehogs are using them," says Grace Johnson, hedgehog officer for Hedgehog Street.
"To do this, we need the public's help to tell us about any behaviours they spot, which will enable us to learn even more about hedgehogs, and how we can best conserve them further. Lockdown is a great opportunity to watch, connect with and help our wildlife, so if you're lucky enough to see a hedgehog in your garden, we'd love to hear about it and to find out what he or she is up to!"
What should you look out for?
Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures who do their best work at night. If you want to get involved with the project, keep an eye open for hedgehog behaviours, such as...
- Feeding
- Drinking
- Travelling across a garden
- Mating
- Swimming in a pond
- Grooming
- Nesting
What should you do once you have spotted a hedgehog?
Once you have spotted a hedgehog, all you have to do is simply log what you see on the Hedgehog After Dark website. Create a free account and then record what you see in the garden. You can upload photos or simply describe what they are up to. Don't forget to add your location.
Plus, those who take part will also have the chance to win a free hedgehog hamper, too. Hedgehog hunters are also encouraged to upload photos to social media using #HedgehogsAfterDark to share findings with the wider community.
The hedgehog hunt will run until Sunday 26th July 2020.
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10 of the best hedgehog houses for gardens
• Featured on BBC's Autumnwatch.
• Made from durable FSC timber and recycled plastic.
• The swivel roof lid provides easy access inside the Hogilo for cleaning, feeding or tending to recovering hedgehogs.
• An overhanging roof and porch gives protection against the rain.
• Entrance tunnel into shelter prevents cats, dogs, and foxes from getting in.
• Removable back panels allow easy access for cleaning of the house.
• Made from FSC wood.
• Made using durable wood and features a waterproof roof, pre-treated with hedgehog-safe water-based varnish to ensure it survives the elements of British weather.
• Camouflaged green roof keeps the hedgehogs safe and out of sight.
• Made of durable fir wood and features a pitched roof that helps water runoff.
• This rattan hedgehog house provides a safe habitat with a sturdy steel frame covered with a waterproof felt lining.
• The wooden entrance door forms a short predator defence tunnel, small enough to deter access by dogs or badgers.
Garden Selections Tiggy Wooden Hedgehog House
• Handmade from natural barkwood with moss for added camouflage.
• The doorway provides extra protection as it protrudes from the main body of the shelter.
• Provides a cosy sanctuary from pets, predators, harsh weather and garden tools.
• Accommodates a family.
• Features a felted waterproof roof covered with a brush wood finish and decorated with rattan bands.
• Solid, sturdy safe house.
• Made from stained FSC wood and genuine slate roof, which keeps the house cool in summer.
• Safe and secure with a small opening to prevent cats, dogs and foxes from getting in.
• Crafted in Spruce, the sturdy and durable material is left untreated, as chemicals can be harmful for the inhabitants.
• Sturdy hedgehog house provides a snug shelter.
• Pitched and felted roof helps water run off to prolong the life of the wood.
• Made from fine-grained timber.
• Sturdy, rust-proofed steel frame and waterproofed roof.
• It's an economic & safe retreat for hedgehogs.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
