Nature Features

BBC Autumnwatch visited St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, Buckinghamshire, during the third week of the wildlife programme's 2009 tour of the UK, to look at the subject of hibernation.

The wildlife hospital treats hedgehogs of all ages, shapes and sizes for a variety of ailments, with the intention of being released back to their natural habitats.

At this time of year, hedgehogs in the wild are foraging for food – conserving as much fat as possible for the cold months ahead when they'll head off to a suitable location to hibernate. 

Hibernation differs from regular sleep - it is a state of inactivity and decreased metabolism. 

When a hedgehog commences hibernation its body temperature will drop so low it almost matches the temperature outside.

Similarly, the heart rate will slow down from 190 beats per minute to a mere 20 and respiration almost stops altogether, with just one breath being taken every few minutes. 

As a result of these physiological alterations, the hedgehog is able to conserve a massive amount of energy – surviving through the winter months on the fat reserves it is currently working hard to build up.

Gardener's friend

Hedgehogs are the gardener's friend and you can encourage them into your garden and local open spaces.

It's really easy to make a house for hedgehogs. Take a sturdy crate and turn it upside down. Cover it with stones, earth and wood, and make sure there’s an entrance. If it's dry and protected, hedgehogs can use it to stay over winter.

Welcome hedgehogs into your garden!

You can buy a wooden hedgehog box, or make one to a similar design. Whenever you buy wood, make sure it comes from a sustainable source.

Make your hedgehog home a sturdy one as badgers and foxes will make a meal of a hedgehog, given half a chance.

The easiest way to help hedgehogs find a home is to give them plenty of natural opportunity. Log piles, compost heaps and cosy spaces under a shed or hedge are all popular.

Where to put your hedgehog home

-  Hibernating hedgehogs like peace and quiet.
-  Put the house where it won’t be disturbed, against a wall, bank or fence if possible and under or near plant cover.
-  The north wind doth blow, so face the entrance away from north or north-east and you’re more likely to encourage a guest.
-  Hedgehogs like to furnish their own homes with leaves and garden debris – it’s part of their hibernation ritual - so don’t line the box for them.
-  Don't disturb the box once it's occupied. You might frighten a nesting mother and cause the young to be abandoned.
-  If you can, put your hedgehog home in or near a damp, untidy area so that hedgehogs are protected when they come out to forage.

Hedgehog hazards

Compost heaps: Be aware that hedgehogs might be nesting in your compost heap before you dig in the fork to turn it over. Check first!

Fruit : Avoid fruit nets or mesh as hedgehogs and other animals can get tangled in them.

Lawn mowers: Hedgehogs can be killed by strimmers, so either avoid them or take great care. Also be careful when you’re using a lawn mower, especially when cutting long grass.

Slug pellets: Slug pellets can be fatal to hedgehogs, as can weedkillers and other chemicals. Hedgehogs will already be on pest control duty anyway.

Access: As hedgehogs have a fairly large territory, they may use a number of different gardens to forage for food. If you want to encourage them make sure there's an easy way in and out of yours.