DIY Garden Fence Holes
Gardeners are urged to drill CD-sized holes in fences before the end of March to help hedgehogs move freely [https://express.co.uk/life-style/garden/2180070/gardeners-drill-holes-fence], [https://mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/gardening/garden-fence-drill-holes-36838712], [https://devonlive.com/news/property/garden-fence-drill-holes-10855887]. How does this boost biodiversity?
Hedgehogs struggle to roam freely in urban environments due to increased fencing [cite: https://devonlive.com/news/property/garden-fence-drill-holes-10855887]. Creating hedgehog-sized holes allows them to access different gardens and find food, shelter, and mates [cite: https://express.co.uk/life-style/garden/2180070/gardeners-drill-holes-fence]. Connecting gardens through these holes creates wildlife corridors [cite: https://devonlive.com/news/property/garden-fence-drill-holes-10855887]. This increased mobility helps maintain genetic diversity within hedgehog populations, making them more resilient to disease and environmental changes. The recommendation is to cut holes that are 13cm x 13cm (CD-sized) to ensure hedgehogs can pass through, while deterring larger animals [cite: https://express.co.uk/life-style/garden/2180070/gardeners-drill-holes-fence, https://mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/gardening/garden-fence-drill-holes-36838712]. This simple act can significantly improve the local biodiversity and health of hedgehog populations.
