Did you know that England has just three hibernating mammals? Which creatures do you think they are? Hibernation is very different to going to sleep, as these creatures are able to slow down their heart rates, so they stay alive, but conserve energy through winter months.
Nocturnal hedgehogs like log piles and leaf litter, so leave your garden a bit ‘messy’ for sleeping and hibernation spots (never knock down sheds/outbuildings until at least 8 weeks after birth to ensure hoglets have left – can be any time from summer to autumn).
What about male hedgehogs? Like some men, they mate – and then disappear!
All hibernating creatures can be helped, simply by leaving nature alone. Hedgehogs benefit from organic gardens left ‘a bit messy’ with log piles and leaves.
Don’t encourage hedgehogs if you live with dogs, that are natural predators.
Dormice live more in the wild, but can benefit most from growing hazelnut trees, as these are by far their favourite food.
Although mice and voles also love hazelnuts, dormice (when they aren’t asleep for 7 months of the year) eat them in a very unique way, leaving a signature ‘nibble mark’:
Dormice leave a smooth rim (as if they’ve used a tin opener) while other creatures leave bite marks! Apart from squirrels, who just crack the nuts open!
Bats benefit from no light pollution and night-scented flowers (avoid toxic plants near pets).
Don’t encourage bats if your live with or near feline friends, as cats are natural predators.
