An increase in late-born baby hedgehogs this year, thanks to 2019's warm summer temperatures, could mean that many struggle to survive the cold winter months ahead.
Commonly, hedgehogs will give birth to their first litters between June and July, giving them a chance to grow strong before the arrival of the cold weather in October. Hedgehogs who are born later in the breeding season, into September, won't have built up sufficient fat reserves to survive hibernation and will be too small to make it through the winter.
This year, new research shows that the number of hoglets who need our help will outstrip the number of rescue centres. This means that, more than ever before, the baby hedgehogs need our help. If you have space in your garage or shed, creating somewhere warm for hedgehogs to hibernate will help to save them in the colder months.
One couple pioneering the way, Tracy and Jim Dunne, run Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue in Dorset and have over 15 hedgehogs living in their home.
Speaking to The Times, Tracy explained that they have transformed their living room into an intensive care unit for the hedgehogs. She said: "For me it is a constant round of cleaning and feeding, 20 hours a day, while my husband administers medical treatment, picking maggots from wounds, clearing them up and keeping records."
Taz Clarke, a volunteer at Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital in Ousden, has spotted an increase in the number of baby hedgehogs being born late. On her Facebook page, Taz explained: "With the weird weather in the UK, there have been babies born late in the year which will not survive winter without help. If you see any out during daylight hours, they need help. Any hedgehogs under 650g (1.4lbs) are not big enough to hibernate so need help."
"Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital are needing help. We are in need of cat/kitten & dog/puppy food, kitten/puppy milk, large plastic storage containers to house poorly hogs in whilst receiving treatment, hot water bottles, & newspapers."
Charities across the UK are working hard to reverse the decline in the UK's hedgehog population and are asking members of the public to get involved. Some of the ways you can help include...
- Donate hot water bottles to animal welfare charities (this helps to keep them warm)
- Place large storage boxes outside to house the hoglets when they are unwell
- Leaving dog and cat food outside for the hedgehogs
A few changes to our garden in autumn can also help to keep the small hedgehogs safe. Some of these include...
- Make holes in your fences so that the hedgehogs can easily travel across the garden
- Install a hedgehog house so they have somewhere they can safely spend the winter months
- Food and fresh water will encourage hedgehogs to return, so try to regularly replace this outside
- Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed dog or cat biscuits. Specialist hedgehog food is also recommended (never leave out milk as it can cause them to get upset stomachs)
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10 Christmas plants for your home and garden
Poinsettia
This cheery red flower is a beautiful Christmas plant that brightens up homes in an instant. Originating from Mexico, they are one of the most popular Christmas plants, with over eight million being sold each year. While they are often disposed of when their colour begins to fade, they can last all year if you take good care of them.
Mistletoe
Perhaps the most iconic Christmas plant of all, mistletoe grows on a range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. Its tradition dates back to the times of the Celtic Druids , where it was typically hung in homes used as a sign of love and friendship.
Holly
Holly is an evergreen plant, which has been strongly associated with winter for centuries. From Christmas cards to decorations, the small green leaf and berry symbol is seen everywhere during the festive season. As well as being a beautiful winter plant, Holly also provides birds and hedgehogs with shelter in the colder months.
Christmas Rose
This delightful white perennial has long-lasting snowy-white flowers that many of us can find in our garden. While the heads do resemble roses, this winter plant isn't from the rose family. During the colder months, Christmas rose brings colour and beauty to a bleak outdoor landscape.
Cyclamen
This perennial flowering plant is widely loved for its beautiful vibrant pink heads. As they are winter plants, you will find them blossoming during the colder months, which makes them perfect for having in the home at Christmas.
Amaryllis
Steeped in rich red colour, Amaryllis plants make magnificent festive blooms. You can grow these at home, but they take around three to five years to reach an impressive size. Its name in Greek means 'to sparkle' — and they certainly do add a touch of Christmas loveliness into the home.
Ivy
Ivy is one of the plants used in Christmas decorations, which first arrived after Christianity came to Europe. As well as being a symbol of Christmas, it is famously known in the carol 'The Holly and the Ivy.
Cranberry plant
A festive favourite for centuries, cranberries are one the key ingredients found in sauces, refreshing beverages and puddings. This plant is also part of century-old traditions, which is why we often see it more at the beginning of December.
Rosemary
Aromatic rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub which is best known for its sweet, resinous flavour. At Christmas time, rosemary plants make excellent alternatives to traditional trees. You can plant it in your garden during springtime and then bring it indoors during the festive period. You'll love its fragrant smell in the home.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti bloom just in time for the holidays — and look beautiful in every home. While they are traditionally purchased during December, they are available all year round.
