MANY hedgehogs will be out and about now, while a few may be having a lie in.


IRENE CANNON, who runs her own small rescue centre in Dalton for hedgehogs, gives advice on how to help the animals The winter has been milder and shorter this year although the wet weather may have affected some of the winter nests (hibernaculum). Even now hedgehogs will be looking for dry bedding. The males, with their nomadic lifestyle at this time of year, may make do with some overhanging twigs and a few leaves, seeing as they will not be staying around. However the females need a good dry nest for their nursery. A dry patch under some conifers or similar dense undergrowth would be an ideal place for a nest. Under sheds is another favourite place although often prone to disturbance when sheds are pulled down.

Many hedgehogs this year are really struggling and in the last week have come to me underweight, very hungry, cold and dehydrated. If you see one out during the day please phone me immediately on 01229 464829. At the moment I am busy releasing those which have over-wintered with me so if you are lucky enough to see one with a blue dot somewhere on its back it is one of mine. You can let me know on Facebook at Furness Hedgehog Rescue.

Although it is a little early for hoglets there may well be some courtship going on.

Hedgehogs prefer their own company as they are solitary animals. However in the breeding season the male will be on the lookout for lady friends. Most meetings, whatever the sexes involved, will start with a lot of huffing and puffing. Indeed this will often be the first time you will notice there are hedgehogs in your garden. If the hedgehogs are one of each sex then the male will start to circle the female. She will keep turning to face him but eventually the noise will stop and the female will lower her prickles so a careful mating can take place. If the hedgehogs meeting are both males then the larger one may well butt the other one making it cry out in fear (a loud sort of scream).

Sometimes the larger one will push the other over and roll it around (the smaller one having rolled into a ball when attacked).

The current “Clean for the Queen” project can only benefit hedgehogs. Litter can be death traps for them. The plastic drink cups, yogurt and ice-cream cartons, crisp packets indeed anything smelling of something edible will all attract hedgehogs and encourage them to put their heads somewhere that they cannot get out of. Plastic multi-can holders, the handles of plastic bags, elastic bands and any type of netting can also cause problems. So if there is a scheme near you removing litter, it may help save a hedgehog’s life or indeed any other unfortunate creature that might get tangled up.

Having said that do not be too tidy in your garden, do leave piles of leaves and small twigs in a pile for any local visiting hedgehog. Of course if a blackbird gets there first it will soon spread a pile of leaves over the garden in its search for food.

If you are concerned about any hedgehog that you see contact me on 01229 464829. For more information about hedgehogs and how to help them visit the BHPS web site at