I own a 2.5 acre field that I have been trying to improve.
A couple of years ago we created a couple of wood piles (made up of dropped and felled branches no broader than your arm, but most even smaller than that) a few feet tall.
But I've seen no sign of hedgehogs either (though I haven't been looking because it never occurred to me).
So, two questions.
Firstly, what signs should I be looking for to tell if a hedgehog has taken up residence?
Secondly, what things could I do to encourage hedgehogs in to the field?
You’re doing the right things: Well done!
Here are some hints about what to look for to confirm that you have a piggy presence:
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/about-hedgehogs/tracks-and-signs/
Try putting out a feeding station, or even just some food in a saucer surrounded by branches to deny larger pests like foxes or cats. Surround it with smooth sand, and see if the telltale pawprints appear.
maximus otter