With Spring nearly upon us, you may be thinking about heading out to your garden to get it ready for the new season, but Brits are being warned not to disturb hibernating hedgehogs.

Throughout February, hedgehogs are typically hibernating in their nests to conserve energy and survive the winter. They are unlikely to be seen outside and tend to only wake up briefly to drink, urinate, or adjust their position.

Common hibernation spots for hedgehogs include compost heaps, piles of logs and leaves, under hedges, specially designed hedgehog houses, and tree cavities.

If you discover a hibernating hedgehog or a family of dormice, it’s best to just leave them be as these creatures are in search of peaceful, undisturbed spots to spend the cold months.

To hibernate, their heart rate slows down, as will their breathing. Their body temperature also sinks, ultimately allowing them to use less energy. 

Hedgehogs typically emerge from hibernation in March or April, but the exact timing depends on the weather.

This process can take several hours or even days and may leave them appearing disoriented for a short time as they re-adjust to being active again.

Gardening World presenter Monty Don insists people should be careful not to disturb these creatures as they emerge into spring.

He writes in his gardening blog:”Many creatures such as hedgehogs, bats, dormice, grass snakes, toads, newts and many butterflies will be starting to come out of hibernation or a state of torpor.

“Try not to disturb natural hibernation spots, especially if you are vigorously tidying up after a long winter.

“These creatures all make a slow start and will be lethargic and weak – be mindful of them.”

This includes being careful not to sheer away too much habitat, or be overzealous when trimming grass.

Particularly if animals are slow to react, you should keep an eye out when using powerful machinery like grass cutters and leaf blowers.