If you wander into your garden at dusk and hear a gentle rustle in the leaves, pause for a moment—it just might be me, a hedgehog, quietly searching for my supper. There's no reason to be alarmed if you spot me amongst your flower beds or nosing around your compost heap. I'm not a threat—I'm just a hungry and thirsty little creature, trying to survive in a world that is changing faster than I can adapt.

Nature's Humble Helper

As a nocturnal animal, I come alive once the sun sets. While you rest indoors, I'm out working hard—munching on beetles, worms, and slugs. By feasting on these garden pests, I naturally protect your plants without the use of harsh chemicals. I'm nature's humble helper, playing a role in maintaining the balance of your local ecosystem.

Yet, despite my quiet contributions, life isn't easy for me. Hedgehog populations are declining at an alarming rate. Modern gardens, with their neat lawns, paved spaces, and impenetrable fences, have made it harder for me to access the food and shelter I need. Pesticides used to keep your garden tidy poison my favorite snacks and can ultimately make me sick.

How You Can Help

You might wonder how you can help a wandering hedgehog. It's simple: start by leaving a shallow dish of fresh water outside, especially during hot, dry seasons when natural water sources disappear. If you have some unsalted, raw meat or cat food, putting out a little at night can be a lifesaver. Please, never give me milk; despite what you may have heard, it upsets my stomach and can even be deadly due to dehydration.

Adapt your garden to make it hedgehog-friendly. Leave a small gap under fences—about 13cm square—so I can pass between gardens. Hedgehogs have large ranges, and being able to move freely is key to our survival. Pile up leaves or logs in a quiet corner for shelter and bedding. Try letting a patch of your garden grow wild—these spots are rich with the insects I crave and provide a safe haven for me to rest during the day.

Simple Steps for Coexistence

Resist the urge to use traps or poisons; not only do these risk harming me, but they also upset the balance of nature in your garden. If you're ever driving at night and see a small, rounded figure crossing the road, please slow down and, if it's safe to do so, help me get to the other side. Many hedgehogs are lost to cars each year.

Remember, I may be small and secretive, but with your kindness, I still have a chance. By welcoming me and my kin, you invite nature back into your life and take part in preserving a magical, wild heritage. A wilder, more natural garden isn't just good for hedgehogs—it's a gift to all wildlife and to yourself as well.

So next time you see me in your garden, know that your compassion can help me survive. Together, we can make sure the gentle hedgehog remains a familiar friend for generations to come. Let's embrace these gentle, spiky companions—and together, foster a kinder world outside our doors.