The hedgehog depends on natural, structured, and safe gardens as a habitat
The Oberbergischer Kreis and the BSO want to draw attention to the situation of hedgehogs and the dangers they face, and show how gardens can be designed to be hedgehog-friendly with simple measures: "Gardens are important habitats and retreats for hedgehogs. Therefore, it is essential that they can wander from one structured garden with many shrubs to another to find food at night and stay protected during the day," says Frank Herhaus, district commissioner for planning, regional development, and environment. "Snails and other small animals serve as food, which is why gardeners, in particular, appreciate the presence of hedgehogs."
Information about hedgehogs and tips for hedgehog-friendly gardening can be found in the hedgehog flyer and on the social media channels of the Oberbergischer Kreis and the Biological Station Oberberg.
Competition: "Who has the most hedgehog-friendly garden in Oberbergischer Kreis?"
As part of the hedgehog campaign, the competition "Who has the most hedgehog-friendly garden in Oberbergischer Kreis?" is starting. All citizens are invited to participate and make their gardens hedgehog-friendly—whether it’s a large garden or a small backyard.
"The decisive factor is not the size of the garden but how well it is tailored to the needs of hedgehogs and how dangers are minimized. The aim of the competition is to motivate people in Oberbergischer Kreis to create a hedgehog-friendly environment and to make them aware of typical sources of danger. The ten best gardens will be visited and evaluated on-site," says Matthias Wirtz-Amling, head of the Biological Station Oberberg.
How even the smallest gardens can be hedgehog-friendly
A garden cannot be too small—just a few adjustments can create a safe habitat for hedgehogs. Many measures can be implemented quickly and easily:
- Passages in fences that allow hedgehogs to wander between gardens
- Shelters such as piles of leaves or branches, wood stacks, or deliberately left natural areas
- Diverse flowering beds that promote insect diversity, providing a food source for hedgehogs
- Water sources, such as shallow water dishes
- Securing potential danger spots, for instance, with escape options at ponds or secured light wells
- Avoiding nighttime use of robotic mowers
- Avoiding pesticides and other toxins
- Carefulness when using brush cutters and motorized scythes.
Participating in the competition
All private individuals in Oberbergischer Kreis can participate from June to August 2026.
Applications should be sent via email to oberberg@bs-bl.de
Subject: "Hedgehog Garden Competition – [Name/District]"
Submissions must include:
- At least one photo (max. 6 photos) of the garden or the hedgehog-friendly measures
- A short description (200–1000 characters): What measures have been implemented, and why is the garden hedgehog-friendly?
- The address of the garden (for on-site visits of the top ten gardens)
- The telephone number of the participating garden owner
By participating, applicants agree that the submitted photos may be used free of charge as part of public relations (Internet, social media, press).
Jury, on-site visits, and awards
A panel of experts will review all submissions and select the ten best gardens. These will be visited and evaluated in September. The top three places will receive prizes:
1st Place: Two bat boxes
2nd Place: Two tit nesting aids
3rd Place: One tit nesting aid
The best gardens will then be publicly presented.
Further information and tips on hedgehog-friendly garden design can be found in the linked flyer and on www.biostationoberberg.de.
