National Hedgehog Day 2025
The European Hedgehog (Erinacaeus europaeus) is one of about 19 hedgehog species worldwide and is unmistakable as the only spiny mammal in Britain. Their highly specialised coat contains 5000 to 7000 brown and cream spines. They have long snouts and no spines on their underbellies, faces or limbs. They are one of our best-loved mammals, and like to spend much of their lives asleep.
European hedgehogs were once a common sight across Europe, but are declining in population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has upgraded their status on its Red List to “Near Threatened”.
As the most secretive animals at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, and one that you are unlikely to see, we thought we would introduce you to these nocturnal residents, the work we do and how you can help hedgehogs.
We work in partnership with Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue (www.suffolkprickles.org), a local charity that work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate hedgehogs, with the aim of releasing them back into the wild wherever possible. Hedgehogs that come to us will be kept for a certain period of time, weights and general health will be monitored and they will have 24/7 indoor and outdoor access. Once Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue are satisfied with individual hedgehogs, they will be soft released, usually back into their home range if considered suitable.
We are currently in the process of upgrading facilities for our hedgehogs. In addition to improving our indoor areas, we are doubling the size of the outside runs, and filling them with log piles and grassy areas, to encourage natural behaviours. As part of our collaboration with Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue, the hedgehogs that arrive at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary are kept short term, either to hibernate over the winter, or to regain health and sufficient weight before being released back into suitable home ranges. As part of a soft release programme, the accommodation and extra outdoor space will allow these spiky residents to explore and search for small invertebrates, before they are released into the wild.
How Can We Help Hedgehogs?
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A 13cm hole beneath a fence allows hedgehogs to move between gardens and roam greater distances.
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Hedgehogs forage among fallen leaves, hibernate , raise their young, and can move around more safely.
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Ensure your pond has sloping sides, or place a log at one end to act as a ladder.
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To prevent injury or killing a sleeping hedgehog, check your long grass before using your strimmer.
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Conventional slug pellets contain metaldehyde, which is lethal to hedgehogs
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Hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose and honeysuckle are caterpillar food plants for a range of moth species which lay eggs on the leaves. Most moth caterpillars will descend to the ground to pupate before becoming an adult, where they then become a food source for passing hedgehogs.
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Make or buy a hedgehog house, and place it in a quiet part of the garden.
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This could make an ideal hedgehog habitat and will also serve to attract small invertebrates which will attract food. Hedgehogs will also use leaves and twigs to line their nests elsewhere.
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A log pile will help to attract bugs and other insects, but could also provide a safe home for a hedgehog
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A shallow dish of water can be vital in hot weather.
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Get involved by learning more from organisations such as The Wildlife Trust (www.wildlife.org), and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society. (www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk). For any of our supporters that would like to donate food for the hedgehogs, please see our Amazon Wishlist, or feel free to drop off tins of cat/dog food or kitten biscuits at the entrance shop. Hedgehogs can go through a lot of food. All donations will be greatly received.
📝 Animal Keeper Luke Johnson