Winter is coming and that means things are getting harder for hedgehogs. Tonnie Sterken helps the hedgehogs and gives tips for everyone who also cares about these small mammals.
Sterken is a nature conservationist in Zuidlaren and does everything he can to take good care of the hedgehogs in his garden. He says: “The hedgehog population is declining and that is why it is extra important that we help them get through the winter.”
A green garden, with as little concrete, stone and tiles as possible, is his first tip. Hedgehogs can find plenty of food in a green garden: caterpillars, spiders, snails and earthworms, for example.
“A hole in your fence is also important, so that they can walk from garden to garden,” he says. This creates a so-called ‘hedgehog highway’ between different gardens, and the hedgehog has more hiding places to choose from. “Hedgehogs like sheltered places such as leaf piles and shrubs. So you should not want to tidy up your garden too much.”
According to Sterken, additional feeding is also important at this time of year. “The hedgehogs will soon go into hibernation and therefore need a fat reserve. Additional feeding can simply be done by placing a bowl of cat food. Make sure that the food has a high protein and meat content. Then add a bowl of water and you have a hedgehog paradise. .” Finally, Sterken mentions something important: “Do not place milk in your garden, as this will make hedgehogs very ill.”
All that good care pays off in Sterken’s garden. He has never been so happy with the images from his wildlife camera: a number of young hedgehogs showed up!