Spring is upon us and signs of life are starting to return to the landscape
You might have already started to hear the dawn chorus start to fill out as more birds start laying their claim for territory. Likewise, as the weather starts to warm up and days lengthen, hibernating animals such as bats and hedgehogs will start to wake up after their long rest. Give a helping hand to nature this spring and help our wildlife put their best foot forward for the coming season.
Regular feeding
While the reported severity of our native hedgehogs’ decline varies from source to source, the one constant is that their population is steadily decreasing, with the main causes being loss of food and habitat isolation. You can help these wonderful British icons as they wake up for spring by leaving out food and water. Cat food is a common favourite for the hogs, owing to its high protein, but be sure not to leave out dairy products, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant.
If you’re concerned about attracting pests by leaving out food, you can still help hedgehogs by creating a hedgehog highway and making a 13 cm x 13 cm hole in your garden fence. But make sure you ask any neighbours for permission before cutting into a shared fence!
If you build it, they will come
It’s never too late to turn your home into a wildlife haven, but spring is always a good time to start. Insect hotels, nest boxes and feeders are all good first steps to inviting wildlife into your garden. Planting a shrubbery and wildflowers also encourages birds and pollinators to visit. But if time or resources are a concern, join in with No Mow May! Bees, butterflies and damselflies love to hide and rest in the long stalks to shelter from harsh weather when flying conditions are not ideal. Even going a week longer between mows can make a world of difference!
By taking these simple steps, you can make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of UK wildlife. Let’s celebrate spring together and ensure a thriving season for all!