It’s that time of year again when I turn my attention to the wildlife on the smallholding and how they might survive through the winter months.

I am very aware of the importance of feeding birds and I do this every single day without fail, even through the summer months. Birds become accustomed to knowing where their food source is and it is not a good idea to feed birds intermittently as they will become reliant on the food you supply. Whilst food is rarely scarce during summer, other factors need to be taken into account such as, a constant water supply, something that has been very important during this year’s summer when the lack of rain has made it difficult for birds to find water to drink and bathe in. A regular source of feed is also very helpful when birds are breeding and feeding their young - our hedgerows have been filled with birds, all rearing their young.

Hedgehogs are also regular visitors to the smallholding and I am amazed at how tame and friendly these little creatures are. They don’t appear to be frightened of us or the dogs, who sit for ages watching these little mammals wander around the garden at night. Hedgehogs are becoming more and more rare with their numbers declining rapidly and therefore it is very important that we help to protect them as much as we can.

Whilst the exact time that hedgehogs begin to hibernate will depend on a number of factors such as weather conditions, available food and each particular hedgehog’s fat reserves, it is safe to say that most will typically begin to hibernate around late October. It is therefore essential that they have somewhere safe in order to bed down until Spring, so now is the right time to start preparing for this.

Left to their own devices, hedgehogs will find a dark, dry, sheltered place to hibernate, often under leaves and other vegetation such as compost heaps and log piles. However, providing them with a dedicated space, and a hedgehog house, makes life a lot easier for these beautiful, spiny little mammals. Suitable locations can be chosen to ensure the hedgehog is provided with protection from the elements as well as from predators and knowing where these little creatures are resting will prevent them from being disturbed.

As with birds, it is a good idea to feed hedgehogs all year round, this way they will become accustomed to knowing where they can find a reliable food source and, once established in your garden they will return time and again, knowing they have a safe and secure place to feed and rest.

Wildlife World kindly gifted me a hedgehog house for the smallholding and I then went on to purchase another as their design and structure are amazing. I have positioned them deep in the hedgerows and covered them with leaves to ensure the hedgehogs have a warm, dark place to hibernate when they are ready. I also leave food out every night along with fresh water.

Hedgehogs can and should eat a varied diet of high-protein food so consider leaving out good quality cat food, shop bought hedgehog kibble or mealworms. Small amounts of cooked meat such as chicken, along with fruits and leafy green vegetables can also be fed as treats. It is very important however not to leave out bread, milk or any highly processed foods.

I got my hedgehog houses from Wildlife World who also sell a variety of products designed for birds, bees, butterflies and frogs to name but a few.

Peckish Supplies

Visit their online shop at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk to see their full range of products.

Peckish Bird Feed supply a huge variety of different bird feeders and nutritional seeds, fat balls and high protein treats.

Visit their online shop at https://peckishbirdfood.com to see their full range of products.