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They’re shy, spiky, and surprisingly good for your soil. Hedgehogs have long held a place in the hearts of British gardeners—not just for their endearing waddle and rustling charm, but because they’re one of nature’s best pest control specialists. Sadly, these beloved creatures are increasingly rare. But if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, there’s one unexpected way to help them: grow the plant they can’t resist.
Hedgehogs: adorable and incredibly useful
Beyond their cuteness, hedgehogs play a powerful role in garden ecosystems. They feast on slugs, snails, caterpillars, and other garden nuisances that munch through your veg beds and flower patches. Forget chemical pellets—hedgehogs are the original organic solution.
And they’re not just good hunters. As they forage through fallen leaves and soil, they naturally aerate the earth and aid organic decomposition, turning plant debris into nutrient-rich compost. Even their droppings fertilise the soil, providing a natural boost for plant health without a single bag of feed in sight.
The surprising plant hedgehogs adore
So, what’s the secret to making your garden irresistible to hedgehogs? Enter the stinging nettle—specifically, the Urtica dioica, more affectionately known as the common nettle. While most of us give this itchy customer a wide berth, hedgehogs seem to be quite taken with it.
Though the exact reason remains unclear, wildlife experts suggest a few possibilities. Some believe hedgehogs rub against nettles to remove parasites, as the fine stinging hairs may help cleanse their spines and fur. Others reckon it might stimulate blood flow or simply feel good—like a spa treatment for spiky backs.
Whatever the reason, if you’re trying to lure hedgehogs into your garden, leaving a patch of nettles might just be the odd but effective trick you need.
How to create a hedgehog haven
Growing nettles is just one piece of the puzzle. To really welcome hedgehogs, your garden needs to offer the essentials: shelter, safety, water, and food.
Start by providing a place to nest. You can buy hedgehog houses, but a DIY approach works just as well—think piles of leaves, logs, or a corner of the garden you allow to grow wild. Dense shrubs and undisturbed undergrowth offer perfect cover.
A shallow dish of clean water is essential, especially in summer. Avoid using slug pellets, weedkillers or chemical fertilisers—they’re harmful not just to hedgehogs, but to countless other garden visitors. Instead, embrace eco-friendly gardening practices that support biodiversity.
Finally, don’t forget access. A hedgehog-friendly garden needs a way in. A small hole (around 13cm wide) at the base of your fence can be enough to let them pass through—and they’ll likely make your garden part of their nightly route.
A simple way to support nature
Hedgehog populations have plummeted due to habitat loss, pesticides, and urban sprawl. But your back garden could become part of the solution. With a few thoughtful changes—like planting wildlife-friendly greenery and embracing a little mess—you can turn your green space into a sanctuary.
And if you’re tempted to yank up that patch of nettles growing in the corner, maybe think again. It could be the very thing that turns your garden into a hedgehog’s favourite spot.
