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Biodiversity projects

What biodiversity is needed for hedgehogs

As the Hedgehog Help Association, we are passionate about promoting biodiversity, particularly through the protection and conservation of hedgehogs and their habitat.
Our work includes various measures and activities aimed at preserving and strengthening the diversity of flora and fauna in our communities.

1.enlightenment and education:

  • We inform the public about the importance of hedgehogs for the ecosystem and the steps that everyone can take to help them.
  • Through workshops, lectures and training programs, we raise awareness among people of all ages about the protection of hedgehogs and other wild animals.

3. habitat management and habitat protection:

  • We are committed to creating and preserving hedgehog-friendly habitats in urban and rural areas by maintaining and protecting habitats such as hedges, gardens and green spaces.
  • By setting up hedgehog paths and establishing protected zones, we are helping to connect habitats and increase the hedgehog’s range of movement.

4. research and monitoring:

  • We participate in scientific studies and monitoring programs to collect and analyze data on the distribution, population trends and threats to hedgehogs.
  • Based on these research findings, we develop targeted protection measures and recommendations for the long-term protection of hedgehogs and their habitats

5. cooperation and networking:

  • We collaborate with other nature conservation organizations, authorities, municipalities and interest groups to work together to promote biodiversity and protect hedgehogs.
  • By sharing experiences, resources and expertise, we strive for a holistic and sustainable approach to nature conservation

Hedgehog-friendly habitat

By implementing these measures, you can help to create a safe and liveable habitat for hedgehogs in your garden and at the same time promote biodiversity as a whole.
Hedgehog-friendly habitat:
  • Create a hedgehog-friendly habitat in your garden, consisting of various elements such as hedges, bushes, piles of leaves, piles of stones and wood as well as unmown areas.
  • Leave certain areas of your garden wild and untouched so that hedgehogs can hide and nest there.
  • Plant species that are attractive to hedgehogs, such as prickly shrubs that provide shelter and food, and insect-rich flowers that serve as a food source.
  • Avoid the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers so as not to impair the hedgehog’s food sources.
  • Place shallow bowls of water in your garden so that hedgehogs can drink, especially during dry and hot periods.
  • Avoid mowing equipment and other garden tools that could injure hedgehogs, for example by taking extra care when gardening and maintaining retreat areas for hedgehogs.
  • Mark hedgehog paths and connecting paths in your garden so that hedgehogs can wander safely through the garden.
  • Secure your garden against hazards such as road traffic and pets by installing fences or creating other barriers that hedgehogs can pass through.
  • Do not use any pesticides or poisons in your garden that could poison hedgehogs.
  • Find out about the way of life and needs of hedgehogs and share this knowledge with other garden owners in your community.
  • Make your neighbors and the local community aware of the need to protect the hedgehog population and encourage them to take measures to protect hedgehogs as well.

General biodiversity that we humans should take to heart

Biodiversity:
  • Plant a variety of native plant species in your garden to provide food and habitat for different animals.
  • Create a variety of habitats such as flower meadows, hedges, ponds (with exit aids) and deadwood piles to provide habitats for different species.
  • Create various mini-ecosystems in your garden, e.g. a pond with an exit aid for aquatic plants and amphibians, a flower meadow for pollinating insects or an area with shrubs for songbirds.
  • Make sure that each ecosystem is in balance and supports different species.
  • Use seed-resistant varieties of plants to promote genetic diversity and reduce dependence on hybrid and monoculture plants.
  • Swap seeds and seedlings with other gardeners to increase the genetic diversity in your garden.
  • Create a variety of habitats such as meadows, woodlands, ponds (with exit aids) and hedges to provide a variety of habitats for animals and plants.
  • Also leave some areas of your garden wild and untouched to preserve natural habitats.
  • Plant species that serve as a food source for various animals, e.g. nectar plants for bees and butterflies or berry bushes for birds.
  • Avoid the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers so as not to disrupt the food chains in your garden.
  • Make sure that the different elements in your garden can interact with each other, e.g. by choosing plant species that support each other or creating habitats that accommodate different species.
  • By promoting biodiversity and ecosystems, you create a stable balance in your garden that is less susceptible to diseases and pests.
  • Maintain your garden sustainably and avoid interventions that could disturb the balance.
  • Support endangered species with targeted protection measures, e.g. by putting up nesting boxes for birds or creating hiding places for amphibians.
  • Find out about local conservation projects and take an active part in supporting the protection of endangered species in your region.
  • Identify potential threats to biodiversity in your garden, e.g. invasive plant species or habitat loss, and take measures to counteract them.
  • Inform yourself about ecologically compatible practices and avoid activities that could endanger biodiversity.
  • Design your garden sustainably by using environmentally friendly materials and practices, e.g. by composting garden waste or using rainwater for irrigation.
  • Reduce your ecological footprint by conserving resources and making consumption decisions that have less impact on the environment.
  • Get actively involved in preserving biodiversity in your garden and beyond by informing yourself, networking and taking action.
  • Share your knowledge and experience with others and inspire them to take action to protect nature.

IBAN: CH11 0900 0000 1581 8871 2

Contact us

Phone German
056 552 16 02

Phone French
056 552 06 30

Phone Italian
056 552 06 31

Office hours
Monday – Friday
10:00 – 12:00

e-mail

Directly
igelstation@igel-hilfe.ch

General
info@igel-hilfe.ch

Donations
spenden@igel-hilfe.ch

Office

VIH
Hedgehog Help Association

UID
CHE-414.064.089

Address
Walther-Bürsten-Strasse 16
5036 Oberentfelden
Switzerland

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VIH
Hedgehog Help Association

Address
Grienackerweg 3
5013 Niedergösgen
Switzerland

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