Gardeners urged to put bowls of wet cat food in shady spots this autumn

Gardeners across the UK are being urged to put bowls of wet cat food in shady spots of their garden this autumn to help support hedgehogs.

Thanks to a hot summer this year, which has been declared the hottest since records began in 1884, parts of the country are currently in drought which is causing significant impacts on both the environment and wildlife. Five areas of the UK are still in drought and it is expected that more will declare drought status within the next few weeks, as groundwater and reservoir levels across England continue to recede.

In a warning this week, the National Drought Group warned that the current drought is far from over, despite the recent rainfall, and said Atlantic salmon, hedgehogs and garden birds are all struggling with a lack of insects to eat due to the dry soils.

Dr Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: "Drought conditions are having a catastrophic effect on our flora and fauna, which lasts long after rain returns.

"Some Atlantic salmon streams have dried up and there are declining populations of wetland birds and amphibians. Garden animals such as hedgehogs are dying because their insect-based food sources disappear during drought."

To help support hedgehogs that are struggling due to the current drought, wildlife experts recommend leaving bowls of wet cat (or dog) food in gardens as this provides the animals with a good source of protein and will help to keep them fed through the colder months.

Experts at Green Feathers said: "If you can't get your hands on hedgehog-specific food, then your best bet is to use cat or dog food. Cat food, such as kitten biscuits or wet meat-based cat food (in either jelly or gravy) is usually best, as cats are fully carnivorous animals - like hedgehogs. However, wet meat-based dog food (in either jelly or gravy) is also ok."

Pet food experts at Scrumbles add: "Just like many of our other furry friends, hedgehogs need a diet that is high in animal protein.

"High protein cat food is packed with the essential nutrients to keep your garden visitors happy and healthy, and has a smaller kibble vs dog food, that's perfect for hedgehogs. Of course, not all pet foods are made the same and some are low in animal protein so be sure to check the ingredients."

It's recommended that the food is left in a shady, sheltered part of the garden as this helps to protect hedgehogs from predators like foxes and cats while they eat.

Wildlife experts at Hedgehog Street explain: "Supplementary food can attract predators, so we don't advise putting food inside of hedgehog homes. Instead, we recommend leaving food at least a couple of metres away from the hedgehog house.

"Put the food in a shallow dish and place in a sheltered area of your garden, or a feeding station, around sunset. Splitting food over several sites may reduce aggression at food bowls. Don't forget to offer water bowls too!"

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) adds: "Supplement the diet of hungry hedgehogs by leaving proprietary hedgehog food, available from most bird feed suppliers, in shady spots."