What do hedgehogs eat? Have you got hedgehogs in your garden? How to identify a hedgehog, and many more common questions answered. Hedgehog identification — what do hedgehogs look like? Length: 16-26cm. An unmistakable small garden mammal with a body covered in sharp spines. The back and upper body parts are covered in spines that can be bristled. The spines stick out in all directions and when alarmed the hedgehog will curl up in a ball for protection. The head, flanks and underparts are all covered in course brown hair. The ears are hairy and prominent, the snout is black, shiny and wet. The ..read more

Scientists who study the animals and plants that adopt human dominated (urban) ecosystems have a term for their work; adapters, exploiters and avoiders. These are the possible responses of wildlife to manmade environments. It’s easy to forget that the house we live in, our community, shops and commute to work, are all artificial environments. All made by humans for human benefit. Little, if any thought was given to nature in the planning or development. In fact, it’s a testament to the resilience of nature that we see any plants or animals at all. Fortunately, nature will always find a way. Pl ..read more

Once upon a time, sheds up and down the land were packed to the rafters with chemicals set to control every facet in our gardens. Decades later, the trend moved to ‘outdoor rooms’, where decks, patios and exotic lighting became the vogue. Thankfully (for wildlife at least), the trend today is to encourage wildlife back into the garden. While I appreciate, I’m no longer viewed as some sort of weird basket weaving, tree hugging, nature freak. It delights me that nature is back on the agenda. Having spent years needing to explain ‘why’ I ran a garden wildlife business; ‘how can we help’ is a much ..read more

Here are our top ten tips for helping wildlife thrive in your garden. Just one thing you can do every day to help restore balance to nature and for you. 1 Put out fresh water. Be it a saucer of water, a bird bath or even by building a permanent pond. All wildlife needs access to water, even bees and other insects need to drink. Many common garden wildlife species need standing water to breed and even live in. 2 Feed the animals. Whether it be food scraps, planting pretty nectar rich flowers, leaving the lawn to grow long, or putting up a bird feeder. Wildlife will reward you by prolifer ..read more

Despite being voted Britain’s national species in 2014 the Hedgehog population is suffering serious decline and the problem seems to continue getting worse. This nocturnal mammal is now rarely seen in gardens where once it was commonplace. While there are many reasons for the decline, there are simple steps we can all take to help hedgehogs and slow, if not reverse the decline. One of the simplest things is to make a hedgehog gap in garden fences to ensure hedgehogs have easy access in and out, allowing them to forage for food, find shelter and mate. Hedge-Hog The name hedgehog derives from t ..read more

Unfortunately, UK’s natural wildlife is under threat due to habitat loss and pollution. The good news is, you can support your local wildlife by creating a wildlife-friendly garden, providing a safe environment for species that are declining in the wild. Here are some top tips for encouraging local wildlife. Add a pond or water feature A pond or water feature is one of the most effective ways to boost wildlife in your garden. Water sources can become a habitat for a huge variety of animal life including frogs, newts, dragonflies, and bathing garden birds. You can easily create a small low-main ..read more

I may be the wildlife man but I’m also husband, father and friend. Wildlife is just one aspect of my life. Weekends are spent in the garden with family and friends, pets, paddling pools, BBQ’s and football kickabouts, and the wildlife doesn’t care one jot! I don’t use chemicals and I garden for nature, attracting as many and as varied species of plants and creatures as I can. This applies as much to my lawn as it does to my borders and beds. Throughout the growing season explosions of colour burst out from my lawn attracting bees, butterflies, ladybirds and a myriad of other insects. Dandelion ..read more

As summer draws to a close and autumn colours adorn the landscape, our garden wildlife enter a period of plenty and planning. The flowering season is over and as herbaceous plants retreat back underground for winter, so goes the food that has powered our brightly coloured butterflies and bees all summer long. Survival tactics differ but the result is the same, empty air where once a kaleidoscope of colour and sound existed. The majority of our trees too will be preparing to sleep, drawing sap from their leaves, closing down photosynthesis creating the spectacular autumn palette of reds, yellow ..read more

I’m so ubiquitous I bet you don’t notice me, but I’m wonderful! I arrive with the first spring sunshine and stay stubbornly on until winter finally drives me away. I join you on your journey to work, by road, rail and even pavement. In fact, you’ll find me smiling cheerfully wherever the sun shines. Who am I? I’m the not so modest dandelion. Bold, brassy and brilliant that’s me. While many a first reaction to my appearance may be to reach for the weed killer or garden fork, please first let me plead my defence. I am a true friend of wildlife, I am the friend of children, young lovers and I am ..read more

Does a good wildlife garden need to be overgrown, full of nettles, contain a big pond and be out of bounds to people and pets? Of course not, a good garden should be welcoming to everyone and offer room for all to live play and enjoy. My own garden is a typical urban plot of 26ft x 26ft and while I’d be happy wandering in a space ten times the size, it really suits my needs just fine. While I may lean towards wildlife and vegetable growing, my wife prefers colourful borders. My kids, dogs and cats prefer play and adventure areas, so potentially a lot of conflicting interests to fit in one smal ..read more