Hedgehogs will flock to garden with 1 easy change in October

These spiky but cute mammals aren't just a marvel to look at, but they actually make for pretty mean garden pest controllers. Hedgehogs love to munch on slugs, snails, and insects, which can otherwise damage plants.

Doing a few of these simple things helps to keep your garden friendly and welcoming for these nocturnal creatures. Not only will you increase your chances of spotting one, but you'll also be doing your part in helping them out - the RHS has classed them as vulnerable to extinction.

Hedgehogs normally hibernate from November to March, so there are still a few chances to glimpse them. As well as implementing these simple ideas, there's also one easy mistake to avoid.

One particularly easy method of entice these garden guests is to ensure there's a gap under your fence or garden gate.

Gardening expert Deb explains: "It may seem simple, but the first thing to do is make sure you have a hedgehog highway. Hedgehogs can roam up to one mile each night."

"If you have a fenced garden make sure that there's a gap in the fence or a gap under your garden gate".

Once a hedgehog finds itself in your garden, it's likely that it will want to fuel up or settle in for some rest and hibernation. Deb provides some additional easy ideas to help make your garden a hedgehog haven:

How to make your garden hedgehog friendly:

On TikTok, Deb explains that a log pile, compost heap or purpose-built house in a shaded spot will give your hedgehogs a safe place to rest and hibernate.

However, she warns that "contrary to popular belief milk is bad for hedgehogs." Warning gardeners to not leave milk out, she instead recommends just fresh water.

There's also hedgehog biscuits which can be purchased and scattered around your garden. Establishing a "wild corner" containing a collection of logs, leaves and gardne waste is alos beneficial as this provides plenty of nesting materials and refuge.

The RSPCA explains that making an artificial home for hedgehogs can even be as simple as placing a piece of board against a wall.

In response to Deb's garden fence tip, one commenter complains, "I wish I could but havign a small doggo I can't risk her getting out of tehe gap. I've seen them in our allotment though", to which she responds "allotments are a great place for hedgehogs" and warns "be sure to check any compost or leaf piles before any bonfires"