Nocturnal Visitors: Foxes and Hedgehogs Bring Life to Our Allotment Site
In the quiet hours after dusk, the community allotment changes. The last gardeners have packed up their tools and headed home. At this time, it transforms into a bustling hub of wildlife activity. This patchwork of vegetable plots, flower beds, and compost heaps is nestled on the outskirts, between houses and an industrial estate. It has been a haven for green thumbs since 2016 and a football field before that. But thanks to some wildlife cameras, we’ve also noticed some guests paying nighttime visits: clever foxes and endearing hedgehogs. These nocturnal wanderers aren’t just passing through. They are part of the ecosystem. They add a touch of wild magic to our cultivated paradise. While these creatures add a touch of wild magic to our cultivated haven, they also bring a few challenges—particularly the foxes, whose mischievous antics keep us on our toes. We’ve always known we’ve had foxes on site, plot-holders have found eggs buried in their beds or freshly planted vegetables dug up as the smell of manure or the chance of worms to eat attracts them.
The Sly Fox: A Cunning Companion
Foxes, with their bushy tails and piercing eyes, are perhaps the most charismatic of our uninvited visitors. Urban foxes have adapted remarkably well to human environments, and our allotment is no exception. Drawn by the promise of easy meals, they prowl the paths under the cover of darkness. They sniff out scraps from compost bins. They also hunt for rodents that might otherwise nibble on our crops.
While the foxes can and do occasionally dig up freshly planted bulbs or scatter mulch in their enthusiasm, their presence is largely beneficial. They act as natural pest controllers, keeping populations of mice, rats, and even slugs in check. In fact, a single fox can consume hundreds of rodents in a season, indirectly safeguarding our lettuces and carrots from devastation.
The Humble Hedgehog: Nature’s Pest Patrol
Equally charming and a very welcome sight, are the hedgehogs that shuffle through the undergrowth. These spiny little mammals are true night owls, emerging at twilight to forage for insects, worms, and snails. Our allotment’s damp soil and leafy borders provide the perfect habitat, especially around the edges where wildflowers and log piles offer shelter. Our natural pond is the ideal space for them to get a drink of water.
Hedgehogs are invaluable allies in organic gardening. They devour slugs and snails by the dozen—common allotment pests that can decimate young seedlings overnight. It’s like having a free, eco-friendly slug pellet. However, these creatures face their own challenges, including habitat loss and road traffic. By leaving small gaps in fences and avoiding chemical pesticides, we’re helping them thrive while they help us.
Hedgehog Street is part of a wider campaign to help hedgehogs, run by two UK-based charities, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS).
Managing the Mischief: Coexisting with Wildlife
While hedgehogs are low-maintenance guests, foxes require a bit more management. Their penchant for digging and leaving little parcels of poop, along with occasional gate-breaking escapades, has prompted us to adopt some practical solutions:
- Fortified Boundaries: Reinforcing gates with sturdier latches and checking fences for weak spots helps deter fox damage.
- Compost Control: Securing compost bins tightly and avoiding leaving food scraps out reduces the allure of our plots.
- Natural Deterrents: Some gardeners use non-toxic scent repellents, like citrus peels or chili powder, to discourage foxes from sensitive areas.
- Clean-Up Crew: Regular checks for fox scat keep the site tidy. Gloves and a shovel are essential tools for the job.
These steps help us enjoy the benefits of foxes—natural pest control—while minimizing their messier habits.
A Wilder Future for Our Allotment
As autumn deepens and the nights grow longer, our allotment remains a vibrant ecosystem, shared with our nocturnal visitors. Foxes, with their cheeky chaos, and hedgehogs, with their quiet heroism, remind us that gardening is about more than just growing food—it’s about nurturing a connection with nature. So, the next time you spot a pile of fox scat or a freshly dug divot, take it as a sign that our allotment is alive with wild stories unfolding after dark.
If you’re part of a community garden, consider welcoming these visitors with open minds and sturdy gates. With a little effort, we can all share the space, and maybe even laugh at the foxes’ naughty antics along the way.
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