Hi Maggsy
I think what you are describing sounds a brilliant place, not only for hedgehogs but for many other creatures – insects, birds, etc. I expect there are loads of tunnels underneath it. It sounds exactly the sort of place a hedgehog would like – loads of places to make nests, lots of leaves, lots of natural food, etc. It sounds ideal, with the hedgehogs having cover right up to the gap in the fence. And then, presumably your garden is a bit different, so the hogs would have the benefit of some different habitat in your garden and your other neighbour.
The only thing I would suggest is try not to let it spread too far – so maybe a bit of judicious pruning round the edges. (Your neighbour probably doesn’t want her house to end up like sleeping beauty’s palace!) But if you try to remove it or thin it out you could do more harm than good to the wildlife. It is just the sort of area which it would be good if more people had. If hedgehogs are able to find their own wild food, it is so much better than anything we can offer them, so I hope your neighbour decides to let it stay.
Good luck with the hedehogs.
