How to care for hedgehogs

Kya deLongchamps has ideas on how to welcome these protected animals into our gardens 

Consider linking gardens up with like-minded neighbours by creating gaps in hedging and fences through which hedgehogs can pass safely. Picture: iStock

Hedgehogs (in Irish, inexplicably, gráinneog or horrible-one) are said to have been introduced into Ireland in the 13th century when they were farmed for their meat: shocked emoji. Now a protected animal under the Irish Wildlife Act, after 800 years of rambling harmlessly around our lives, they are still categorised as non-natives. We now, at least, treasure them. With intensive farming and sprawling suburbs putting pressure on their ancient habitats, what can we do to invite these delightful urchins into our gardens and help them to thrive this winter?

Hedgehogs are nimble and when elevated on their delightfully rubbery, black legs, they can travel as much as a kilometre or more during their nightly outings. The Vincent Wildlife Trust reports that males have been recorded over an area of 56 hectares. It’s often difficult to establish how many spiny little nomads are actually visiting your garden as territories can intersect, so you may be naming three thinking you only have a sole trespasser.