Gardeners told to cut hole in their fence this December

This winter, green-fingered Brits are being urged to make a simple change to their garden fences to save an endangered creature. Due to declining hedgehog numbers in the UK, largely attributed to climate change and urban garden designs that block off open spaces with tall fences and walls, NHBS is encouraging homeowners to create holes in their fences to provide these critters with access.

Hedgehogs aren’t just cute; they’re also natural pest controllers, feasting on slugs and snails that wreak havoc on our gardens. NHBS explains: "Research suggests that this is partly because it is becoming harder for hedgehogs to move freely due to an increase in the number of solid walls and fences being erected around gardens. This reduces the available foraging area and so restricts the amount of food that they can eat as well as reducing the possibility of meeting a mate."

They recommend: "Creating a hole in a garden wall or fence will allow your local hedgehogs to pass through from garden to garden safely." You can create a hedgehog-friendly garden by simply cutting a small hole at the bottom of your fence, or raising the entire panel by a few inches to allow a hedgehog to squeeze underneath. However, ensure it's not large enough for a person to fit through.

Alternatively, you could trim a few inches off the bottom of the fence to let hedgehogs slip under. While this might seem like an invitation for cats, they can easily jump over six-foot fences, so it won't increase feline visitors, reports the Express.

If you want a more professional solution, NHBS sells a hedgehog hole fence plate that adds a sturdy metal-enforced gap to the bottom of your fence. According to NHBS: "A hole measuring 13cm by 13cm is the right size for a hedgehog to pass through but too small for most pets. Once you have made your hole in the fence or wall, you can fix the Eco Hedgehog Hole Plate to the fence, ensuring that the hole does not get blocked or stretched."

The plate comes with six screw holes, three on each side, which can be used to secure the plate to your fence or wall. Additional holes can be made in the plastic if required.