Encouraging birds and hedgehogs into your garden

Apparently, only one in five Brits has ever seen a hedgehog in their garden — and most children can’t identify Britain’s most common wild birds. I’m just as passionate about supporting our native wildlife as I am about caring for pets, and I love helping my customers reverse this trend!

🐦 How to Feed the Birds

Feeding birds is an easy and rewarding way to look after your local wildlife, and it can be a vital lifeline for some during the colder months.

• Where to hang feeders: Ideally, place feeders on a sheltered east- or southeast-facing wall, near a tree or row of bushes. If this isn’t possible, choose a secluded spot with a nearby perch so birds can scope the surrounds for danger before feeding.

• Ground feeding: Attracts sparrows, thrushes and dunnocks — but be aware it can also attract cats. Keep ground feeders away from dense cover, move them occasionally, and remove uneaten food each evening to deter vermin.

• What to feed: I stock two ready-made wild bird seed mixes suitable for all species. You can also create your own blend with seeds, suet, mealworms, peanuts and chopped fruit. Aim for a variety of high-fat, high-calorie foods, especially in winter.

• Keep things clean: Clean feeders weekly and avoid leaving out too much food. Always provide clean, fresh water and replace it daily to prevent disease.

🏡 Where to Put Bird Boxes

Offering a safe place to nest can make all the difference for our feathered friends.

• Site boxes 2–4 metres high, angled slightly forward to shield against rain.

• Choose a north or east-facing location to avoid harsh sun.

• Ensure there’s a clear flight path to the entrance.

• Put boxes up in autumn, when birds begin scouting for roosting spots.

• Clean out old nests from September onwards, using boiling water to remove parasites.

🦔 Looking After Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are nocturnal, nomadic, and sadly in decline. You can help by making your garden a hedgehog haven.

• They can roam up to two miles a night looking for food, mates, and shelter.

• Allow access between gardens with a 13cm x 13cm hole in fences or walls.

• Leave piles of leaves or logs for daytime sleeping and natural insect hunting.

• Provide fresh water and specialist hedgehog food — I recommend Spike's Semi-Moist, with a few mealworms sprinkled just after dusk.

⚠️ Please don’t leave out milk or bread — these upset their stomachs and can be dangerous.

If you spot a hedgehog out in daylight, it’s likely unwell. Carefully place it in a cardboard box using thick gloves and contact your local rescue centre.

Also remember:

• Check compost heaps before turning them.

• Move piles of rubbish before burning.

• Always inspect long grass and hedges before mowing or strimming.