Protecting The Cute And Not So Cuddly Hedgehog In Our Gardens And Craft

This week, (2nd Feb) was National Hedgehog Day, but it’s not too late to celebrate this spiky little national treasure! The humble hedgehog has featured prominently in the work of UK artists and crafters over the years and has been an inspiration for many cosy, homespun or crafted items.

Whether through art, craft, or conservation efforts, hedgehogs deserve to be celebrated and protected!

Where can you find hedgehogs these days?

Hedgehogs can be found across Europe, Africa, and Asia, but in the UK they are most commonly spotted in woodlands, farmland, parks, and gardens where they spend much of their lives asleep. Through the cold winter months of November to mid-March, they hibernate in nests made of fallen leaves in sheltered spots and when they emerge in spring, they remain nocturnal, only venturing out after sundown to forage for food.

What kind of food are they after?

Contrary to folklore, these little creatures are lactose intolerant and would rather see a feast of worms, slugs, earwigs, millipedes, beetles, and other small insects on their hedgehog menu. So, if you want to feed a hedgehog, provide wet cat food, apples, plums or pears, and nuts, such as unsalted peanuts or brazils. Or, if you want to go the whole hog (!) buy them some special hedgehog food which you can buy at most garden centres.

Even with their voracious appetite, hedgehogs only grow to the size of a pineapple! They can measure between 20-25cm in length and weigh up to 1.2kg. Despite their tiny size and relatively poor vision, they can move at speeds of up to 9.5km/h (around 5mph), for short bursts when they need to escape from predators. Their keen hearing and sense of smell help them to navigate at night

Hedgehog numbers are declining

Unfortunately, evidence suggests hedgehog populations have fallen by over half in rural areas and by a third in urban areas since the year 2000. The fact is that although hedgehogs can live for up to six years, the average lifespan is much shorter—just two to three years due to accidents involving road traffic, lawnmowers, pesticides and chemicals which all affect their longevity. To help counter this, avoid using slug pellets and pesticides or only as a last resort. Instead, try using one of many natural alternatives, like sprinkling crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around the plants you need to protect. If you have to use pellets, place them under a slate that’s inaccessible to hedgehogs. Also, in autumn, it’s always a good idea to check leaf piles for hedgehogs before starting a bonfire or be hedgehog-aware when mowing the lawn.

Celebrating hedgehogs in art and craft

Given their charming features and cultural significance, it’s no surprise that hedgehogs have been a beloved subject in UK art and craft. Artists and makers have long incorporated hedgehogs into paintings, sculptures, textiles, and handmade jewellery, capturing their distinctive shapes and characters in beautiful and imaginative ways.

Ceramicists create delicate hedgehog figurines, felt artists craft adorable soft sculptures and illustrators bring them to life in storybooks and prints. Whether carved in wood, embroidered onto fabric, or sketched in fine detail, hedgehogs have found their place in the hearts of crafters and collectors alike. Protecting this artistic heritage is essential, and that’s where handmade business protection comes in.

What can be done to help hedgehogs?

To support hedgehog populations, you can make small but meaningful changes in your own outdoor space. Leaving a hole in your garden fence allows hedgehogs to move between areas in search of food and mates. Providing fresh water and hedgehog-friendly food can also make a big difference.

Join the hedgehog appreciation movement!

If you’re inspired by their quirky charm, it’s not difficult to take part in countrywide efforts to protect the hedgehog population for generations to come. For example, did you know that in 2024, The first-ever National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy has been published to suggest ways for people to get involved with hedgehog conservation?

For those with a garden, creating 13cm x 13cm square holes in or under a garden fence – known as Hedgehog Highways – to connect neighbouring gardens, is the best starting point. This is crucial as it allows hedgehogs to move between green spaces searching for food, shelter and mates. Once connected, creating wild patches, providing water and places to nest such as leaf and log piles or a hedgehog house, are all great ways to help.

Or why not take a moment to appreciate these unique little creatures by creating your hedgehog-themed craft or by supporting artists who feature them in their work? And remember, if you are the one producing hedgehog-inspired handcrafted items, handmade business protection is key to safeguarding your passion and livelihood.

Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the sight of these beloved spiky mammals in our gardens, countryside and craftwork and please do get in touch if you require handmade business protection.