Gardeners are being urged to leave a tray of water out in their gardens this April in order to help hibernating hedgehogs waking up from their winter sleep.

Garden experts are urging gardeners to be mindful of hedgehogs waking in their gardens this April, as the spiky creatures will begin to rouse from their winter hibernation at the end of March and throughout April when the weather warms up. Hedgehogs will usually seek out warm, dark places like compost heaps, leaf piles, under hedges and inside tree cavities or even roof spaces and garages to hibernate through winter. Then, when spring returns, they will likely be disorientated, uncertain of their surroundings and in desperate need of food and drink - which is where gardeners come in.

As well as taking care not to disturb any hibernating hedgehogs, gardeners are being urged to leave out water for hedgehogs this April.

GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk says: “Hedgehogs and dormice will seek out warm shelter during hibernation, making sheds and summerhouses a comfortable space to spend the winter.

“Hibernating species normally return to full activity around March and April although that is dependent on the weather conditions.

“But when they first come out of hibernation, they’re likely to be disorientated and uncertain of their surroundings.

“Adding a food supply and fresh water will help the animals rebuild fat reserves and creating exit routes will allow them to roam when they’re ready.”

They continued: “If you’ve had a winter visitor in your shed, outbuilding or hibernating under compost or a pile of leaves, now’s the time to think about what you can do to help them coming out of hibernation.

“Allowing them to rest and to not disturb is important and when they do wake up, be aware they may be wobbly and disorientated. Leaving out food and water is vital to help them rebuild fat and energy reserves.

“Think too about setting out an exit route to allow them to roam freely between gardens. If they do appear injured or unwell contact a wildlife rescue centre and get your winter visitor checked over.

“Let hibernating hedgehogs and dormice wake up naturally, do not disturb them. Hibernation is vital for their survival and disturbing them uses up energy they may be unable to replace. If you do accidentally disturb cover up and leave.

“Make sure you leave out food and there’s an available supply of water. Offer meaty cat or dog food in the form of dry biscuits. This can be left on a saucer in an accessible and easy to reach spot. Place a saucer or shallow dish of fresh water too.”