How to attract hedgehogs to your garden

Hedgehogs in the UK - the good news!

There have been a few recent news reports about hedgehogs in the UK that highlight positive developments for the species. Here are a few examples:

1. In April 2021, it was reported that hedgehogs had been reintroduced to a nature reserve in Nottinghamshire after being absent from the area for 30 years. The project was part of a wider initiative to protect and enhance habitats for hedgehogs across the UK.
2. In February 2021, it was announced that a new hedgehog-friendly housing development would be built in Bristol, with features such as hedgehog highways and specially designed hedgehog homes. This was seen as a positive step in the fight to protect hedgehog populations in urban areas.
3. In December 2020, it was reported that hedgehog numbers had increased in some parts of the UK, including in urban areas such as London. This was attributed to increased public awareness of the importance of providing suitable habitats for hedgehogs, as well as the efforts of conservation groups and individuals to create hedgehog-friendly spaces.
4. In September 2021, it was reported that hedgehog populations had increased in some parts of the UK due to a combination of factors, including milder winters and improved habitat management. The report, which was based on data from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, also noted that there had been an increase in public awareness of the importance of protecting hedgehogs.
5. In August 2021, it was announced that hedgehogs were being reintroduced to the Scottish island of Canna after an absence of more than 30 years. The project was part of a wider effort to restore the island's ecosystem, and involved the release of 100 hedgehogs into carefully selected habitats.
6. In May 2021, it was reported that a hedgehog crossing had been installed in a village in Lincolnshire to help protect hedgehogs from traffic. The crossing, which was funded by the local parish council, was designed to provide a safe passage for hedgehogs across a busy road.

While hedgehogs still face many challenges in the UK, there are encouraging signs that efforts to protect and conserve the species are having a positive impact.

Hedgehogs in the UK - the bad news

Unfortunately, there are also recent bad news reports about hedgehogs in the UK. Here are a few examples:

1. In February 2022, it was reported that hedgehogs were declining rapidly in the UK, with populations estimated to have fallen by 50% in rural areas and 30% in urban areas since 2000. The main factors contributing to the decline were habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, as well as road traffic accidents and the use of pesticides.
2. In August 2021, it was reported that hedgehogs were at risk of being poisoned by slug pellets, which contain metaldehyde, a highly toxic substance. The UK government had recently announced plans to ban the sale of metaldehyde-based slug pellets, but the ban had been delayed due to legal challenges.
3. In May 2021, it was reported that hedgehogs were increasingly being affected by a condition called "hedgehog mange", which is caused by parasitic mites. The condition can cause severe itching, hair loss and skin infections, and can be fatal if left untreated. 

Hedgehogs in the EYFS curriculum

The UK National Curriculum Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes opportunities for children to learn about and care for hedgehogs and make hedgehog houses through various areas of learning. Here are some examples:

1. Understanding the World: This area of learning includes the sub-strand "the world" which provides opportunities for children to explore the natural world around them, including animals such as hedgehogs. Children can learn about the habitats, behaviors, and needs of hedgehogs, and explore ways to create a hedgehog-friendly environment.
2. Expressive Arts and Design: This area of learning includes the sub-strand "exploring and using media and materials" which provides opportunities for children to create their own hedgehog houses using natural materials such as twigs, leaves, and mud. Children can also explore different textures and colors that are associated with hedgehogs and create hedgehog-themed artwork.
3. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: This area of learning includes the sub-strand "managing feelings and behavior" which provides opportunities for children to develop empathy and care for living creatures such as hedgehogs. Children can learn about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect, and explore ways to care for hedgehogs in their environment.

Hedgehogs in the KS1 Curriculum

The UK National Curriculum Key Stage 1 (KS1) includes opportunities for children to learn about hedgehogs through various areas of learning. Here are some examples:

1. Science: The KS1 Science curriculum includes the study of animals, including identifying and naming common animals and describing their habitats. This provides opportunities for children to learn about the habitat, diet, behavior, and life cycle of hedgehogs.
2. English: The KS1 English curriculum includes opportunities for children to read and write non-fiction texts, such as information books and reports. Children can research and write about hedgehogs, including their physical features, habitat, and diet.
3. Mathematics: The KS1 Mathematics curriculum includes opportunities for children to collect, represent, and interpret data. Children can collect data on hedgehogs, such as the number of hedgehogs spotted in their school grounds or local park, and use this data to create graphs and charts.
4. Design and Technology: The KS1 Design and Technology curriculum includes opportunities for children to design, make and evaluate products. Children can design and make hedgehog houses or other hedgehog-friendly habitats, using natural materials such as twigs, leaves, and mud

By incorporating opportunities for learning about hedgehogs into the KS1 curriculum, children can develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world, as well as important skills such as research, data collection and interpretation, and creativity.

Hedgehogs in the KS2 curriculum

The UK National Curriculum Key Stage 2 (KS2) includes opportunities for children to learn about hedgehogs and caring for hedgehogs through various areas of learning. Here are some examples:

1. Science: The KS2 Science curriculum includes the study of living things and their habitats. Children can learn about the characteristics of hedgehogs, their role in the ecosystem, and the importance of creating and conserving hedgehog habitats.
2. English: The KS2 English curriculum includes opportunities for children to write persuasive texts, such as letters or posters, to encourage others to take action on a particular issue. Children can write letters or create posters to raise awareness about the decline in hedgehog populations and encourage others to create hedgehog-friendly habitats.
3. Mathematics: The KS2 Mathematics curriculum includes opportunities for children to measure and compare lengths and weights. Children can measure and compare the size and weight of hedgehogs, as well as monitor their growth over time.
4. Design and Technology: The KS2 Design and Technology curriculum includes opportunities for children to design, make, and evaluate products. Children can design and make hedgehog houses or other hedgehog-friendly habitats, using materials such as wood, plastic, and natural materials.
5. Geography: The KS2 Geography curriculum includes the study of physical and human geography, including ecosystems and conservation. Children can learn about the geographical distribution of hedgehogs, as well as the impact of human activities on hedgehog populations.

By including experiences about and caring for hedgehogs and learning more about hedgehogs, children in KS2 can develop a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting and conserving biodiversity, as well as important skills such as critical thinking, research, and problem-solving.

Resources: learning about hedgehogs

Here are ten resources for teachers who are teaching children about hedgehogs and finding ways to attract hedgehogs into the school garden:

1. The Hedgehog Street website provides a wealth of information on hedgehogs and how to help them, including tips on creating hedgehog-friendly habitats in school gardens.
2. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society website offers resources for schools, including lesson plans and activity ideas for teaching children about hedgehogs and their conservation.
3. The Wildlife Trusts website provides information on how to create wildlife-friendly habitats in school gardens, including advice on planting and maintaining a hedgehog-friendly garden.
4. The RSPB website offers resources and activities for schools on a range of wildlife topics, including hedgehogs and their habitats.
5. The Woodland Trust website provides resources and activities for schools on woodland habitats and the wildlife that lives within them, including hedgehogs.
6. The Wildlife and Countryside Link website provides a range of resources and activities for schools on biodiversity, including hedgehogs and their conservation.
7. The Hedgehog Friendly Campus website offers resources and guidance for universities and colleges on creating hedgehog-friendly habitats on campus, which may be useful for schools as well.
8. The Wildlife Watch website provides resources and activities for children on a range of wildlife topics, including hedgehogs and their habitats.
9. The Field Studies Council website provides resources and activities for schools on a range of environmental topics, including hedgehogs and their habitats.
10. The BBC Springwatch website provides videos and resources on a range of wildlife topics, including hedgehogs, which can be used to supplement classroom learning.

By utilizing these resources, teachers can provide a rich and varied learning experience for children on hedgehogs and their conservation, as well as practical guidance on creating hedgehog-friendly habitats in school gardens.

Free hedgehog houses for schools

There are several organizations that provide free hedgehog houses to schools to help support hedgehog conservation and education efforts. Here are a few examples:

1. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) provides free hedgehog houses to schools that have registered with their Hedgehog Friendly Schools program. The program includes resources and guidance on how to create hedgehog-friendly habitats in school grounds, as well as how to educate children on the importance of hedgehog conservation.
2. The Wildlife Trusts sometimes offer free hedgehog houses to schools that are part of their "Wildlife Watch" program, which aims to encourage children to engage with nature and learn about wildlife conservation.
3. The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) offers free hedgehog houses to schools that are part of their Hedgehog Street campaign. The campaign aims to create hedgehog-friendly habitats across the UK, and provides resources and guidance on how to create these habitats in school grounds.
4. Local wildlife conservation groups and trusts may also offer free hedgehog houses to schools in their area. For example, the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has previously provided free hedgehog houses to schools in their region.

It's worth noting that the availability of free hedgehog houses may vary depending on location and other factors. Contacting local wildlife conservation groups or contacting the above organizations directly can help schools determine if they are eligible for free hedgehog houses or if they can purchase them at a reduced cost.

How to make a papier mache hedgehog house

Here is a simple guide for making a papier mache hedgehog house:

Materials:

• Balloon
• Newspaper or tissue paper
• Flour
• Water
• Bowl
• Paint or markers
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Inflate a balloon to the desired size for your hedgehog house. Make sure it's not too big, as you want the hedgehog to feel cozy and protected.
2. Mix the flour and water to create the papier mache paste. Start by adding about one cup of flour to a bowl, and gradually stir in water until the mixture has the consistency of thick glue.
3. Cut the newspaper or tissue paper into strips, about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long.
4. Dip the strips of paper into the papier mache paste, making sure they are completely coated.
5. Begin covering the balloon with the papier mache strips, smoothing them down as you go to create a neat and even layer. Cover the balloon completely except for a small opening at the bottom, which will become the entrance to the hedgehog house.
6. Allow the papier mache to dry completely. This may take several hours or even overnight.
7. Once the papier mache is dry, use scissors to carefully cut a door in the side of the hedgehog house. Make sure it is large enough for a hedgehog to enter and exit comfortably.
8. Paint or decorate the hedgehog house as desired, using paint or markers. You can make it look like a real hedgehog house by painting it brown or green.
9. Place the hedgehog house in a quiet, shaded area of your garden, and fill it with soft materials such as dry leaves, grass, and straw.

And there you have it! A simple and fun project that can help encourage hedgehogs to make their home in your garden. Remember to regularly check and clean the house to keep it in good condition for your hedgehog guests.

How to make a wooden hedgehog house

Here are instructions for making a wooden hedgehog house:

Materials:

• Wooden planks or plywood
• Saw
• Screws and screwdriver
• Waterproof roofing material (optional)
• Natural materials such as hay, leaves or straw

Instructions:

1. Choose a suitable location: A hedgehog house should be placed in a quiet, shaded area of the garden, away from any potential disturbances or predators. Ideally, the house should face south or south-east to capture the warmth of the morning sun.
2. Decide on the size of the house: The house should be at least 30cm x 30cm, with an entrance hole measuring about 13cm x 13cm.
3. Cut the wood to size: Cut four pieces of wood for the sides and base of the house, and two additional pieces for the roof. Make sure the wood is untreated and at least 1.5cm thick to provide insulation.
4. Assemble the box: Screw the sides and base of the box together to form a rectangular shape. Make sure to pre-drill the screw holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
5. Attach the roof: Screw the two pieces of wood together to form a pitched roof. You can also add waterproof roofing material to the roof to provide extra protection from the rain.
6. Add the entrance hole: Cut a hole in one of the sides of the box near the bottom. Make sure the hole is large enough for a hedgehog to enter and exit comfortably.
7. Add bedding: Fill the box with natural materials such as hay, straw or leaves to provide a warm and comfortable nest for hedgehogs.
8. Place the box in the garden: Position the box in a quiet, shaded area of the garden, making sure it is stable and secure. Cover the box with some twigs or leaves to help it blend into the natural environment.

And that's it! With a little effort, you can create a cozy and safe space for hedgehogs to rest in your garden. Remember to regularly check and clean the box to keep it in good condition.

How to make a hedgehog house

Ten unusual facts about hedgehogs

Here are ten unusual facts about hedgehogs:

1. Hedgehogs have a specialized muscle in their skin called the orbicularis muscle, which allows them to roll into a tight ball to protect themselves from predators.
2. Hedgehogs are immune to the venom of most snakes, including the venom of the adder, which is one of the few snakes that live in the UK.
3. Hedgehogs can swim, and they are often found in and around ponds, rivers, and other bodies of water.
4. Hedgehogs have a very low body temperature compared to other mammals, which allows them to conserve energy and survive in cold environments.
5. Hedgehogs have a keen sense of smell, and they use their nose to locate food and find their way around their environment.
6. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and should not be given milk or dairy products, as it can cause digestive problems.
7. Hedgehogs have poor eyesight and rely mostly on their sense of smell and hearing to navigate their environment.
8. Hedgehogs are solitary animals, and they only come together during mating season.
9. Hedgehogs are insectivores and eat a diet consisting mostly of insects, but they may also eat small animals such as frogs, mice, and snakes.
10. Hedgehogs are found in many cultures around the world, and they are often considered symbols of good luck and protection. In Scotland, it is believed that seeing a hedgehog on New Year's Day is a sign of good luck for the coming year.