Gardeners urged to never leave 1 food item out for hedgehogs in September

Hedgehogs are more likely to be spotted in British gardens at this time of year as they stock up on food for winter, but gardeners could be putting these beloved critters at risk by leaving out a common food scrap

September marks the point when gardeners begin swapping t-shirts for thick jumpers as they prepare for colder conditions, and it’s also the ideal moment to assist hedgehogs in getting ready for the cold. Right now, hedgehogs are more frequently spotted in gardens as they require substantial amounts of food to accumulate their fat reserves so they possess sufficient energy for hibernation.

Nevertheless, much of British wildlife may be finding food scarce at present because of the dry conditions we experienced in summer, which means there will be fewer insects around. The period before autumn is critical for hedgehogs, and if they’re unable to locate adequate food in September, they’re more vulnerable to weakness or even death once winter arrives.

Spending time feeding hedgehogs at this moment is among the most compassionate things a gardener can do, but experts at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust have cautioned that many people cause more damage than benefit if they put out bread or even milk.

They said: “A hedgehog’s natural diet can also be supplemented with a bowl of wet cat or dog food (not fish flavoured). This is especially helpful in cold weather when invertebrates may be scarce. Best to avoid putting out bread and milk as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and so this will make them ill.”

Why should you not feed hedgehogs bread or milk?

It’s extremely widespread in the UK to put bread out in the garden for wildlife, as there’s a mistaken belief that ducks and other birds like eating it. Hedgehogs will probably eat bread if it is left out for them, however in the long run it is genuinely harmful as it provides none of the nutrients required to help them build up fat reserves ahead of winter.

The real danger with bread is that it leaves hedgehogs feeling extremely full, meaning they will not go in search of other food that contains the proteins essential to their survival.

September is a critical month for hedgehogs as they have very little time to prepare their bodies for hibernation. Consuming too much bread means they will lack sufficient energy to last throughout the entire winter.

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This can cause hedgehogs to wake repeatedly during hibernation and be forced to hunt for food during the harshest period of the year, significantly reducing their chances of survival.

Milk is equally harmful to hedgehogs as their bodies are unable to process dairy, and it can actually cause dehydration and serious digestive issues.

What should you actually do to help hedgehogs?

If you genuinely wish to support hedgehogs, the best option is to leave out a meaty cat or dog food, as these contain the high levels of protein and calories that hedgehogs currently require.

Opt for chicken, beef or pork flavours, but steer clear of fish-based pet foods as their strong odours tend to put hedgehogs off and they are unlikely to touch them.

It can also be tremendously beneficial to leave a pile of leaves, sticks or logs in a corner of your garden. These will attract insects and make foraging considerably easier for hedgehogs.

Planting autumn-friendly flowers or leaving the lawn unmowed for a fortnight can also encourage insects, which in turn help hedgehogs accumulate sufficient fat reserves ahead of winter.

Leaving out a bowl of fresh water is another simple yet effective gesture that could give any local hedgehogs a vital boost to their chances of survival.

Helping hedgehogs doesn’t require a great deal of effort, but occasionally putting out some pet food — while avoiding bread — will give these creatures the best possible chance of thriving throughout September.