Older folk amongst us will recall how a generation or so ago, hedgehogs were dwindling in numbers.  In large part this was caused by destruction of the hedgerows, their most natural habitat and also their "highways".  However, many hedgehogs actually died on the roads, because they had a disastrous instinct to curl up in a ball and stay very still when frightened.  Approaching headlights frightened them, they curled up and were invariably flattened by the approaching traffic.  In a relatively short period of time, hedgehogs evolved, and dropped this silly habit.  On many a summer night I spot hedgehogs crossing roads, and they do not mess around.  Whatever alarms them as they cross, they just keep right on running until they reach the other side - and perhaps surprisingly they can run fast.  Squashed hedgehogs are a much less common sight, despite their increasing numbers in many parts of the country.

Click any picture to see a larger image!

Hedgehog hiding under guinea pig hutch

This one's not camera shy!

I have of late noticed this latter day 20th century hedgehog, evolve yet again into 21st century hedgehog.  Wildlife lovers and gardeners will be aware that the story goes that hedgehogs nest in piles of twigs and leaves, at the bottom of compost heaps etc etc.  Much like the picture, below left, taken some years ago. 

However, I recently inadvertently discovered a hedgehog in its nest.  I was cutting the hedge, and when I first spotted this heap of rubbish all caught up in the undergrowth, I nonchalantly assumed it had been blown there from the road by the wind.  I had  removed an entwined sheet of bubble plastic and a polythene bag before I realised I was dismantling a hedgehog's nest with its owner fast asleep inside.  Sorry, he's  too well camouflaged to show up in the picture!  The polythene and bubble plastic constituted the roof.  I put a carrier bag back over the top to provide a lightweight summer "sheet" instead.  The hedgehog itself was curled up inside a black plastic plant pot turned on its side.  How it had dragged that into the hedge I don't know!  It had carefully woven its "walls" into the ivy.  These comprised empty crisp packets, chocolate bar wrappers, a plastic drinking cup and various pieces of tin foil.

Old fashioned hedgehog nest

21st Century Hedgehog nest

So gardeners, think again!  Whilst we may still need to be wary of hedgehogs in the compost heap, or at the bottom of a ready made bonfire pile, we also need to be very careful about apparent heaps of litter!

Basic hedgehog info  In the UK, hedgehogs are wild animals, and every effort should be made to ensure that they are kept wild.  On occasions it may be necessary to rescue very small youngsters in the autumn and overwinter them in a cool but frost free location - eg a greenhouse or shed.  This is because small youngsters do not have the body weight to hibernate successfully.  Seek expert advice on hedgehog care here. 

If you want to help the hedgehogs in your garden, ensure that during hot weather plenty of saucers of water are available in shady places, like under a hedge.  They dehydrate very quickly in hot weather and can die if forced out into hot sunshine to seek water.  Feed them at night on cat food or dog food.  They will eat virtually anything, but that doesn't mean its good for them!  Try not to let them eat bread put out for the birds (feed the birds in the morning), and although they love chocolate it does not contain the necessary nutrition to make them strong and healthy.  If you become aware of a hedgehog roaming your garden in winter, be especially diligent about feeding, as little natural food is available in the cold weather.