Urban Hedgehog Welfare and Conservation

UK hedgehog populations have halved since 2000, with urban populations now more stable than rural ones, making urban habitat management critical for the species' welfare and survival.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have fallen from 36 million in the 1950s to an estimated 880,000
Urban hedgehog populations are declining less rapidly than rural populations
A hedgehog can travel up to 2 km per night if connected habitat is available
Road mortality, garden hazard, and habitat fragmentation are the primary UK urban hedgehog welfare threats

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehog welfare depends on creating connected habitat that allows animals to range widely for food while reducing mortality from roads and garden hazards. Hedgehog highway schemes that create gaps in fencing between gardens enable population connectivity. Bonfires, garden machinery, and slug pellets cause significant hedgehog mortality and suffering. Checking bonfires before lighting and mowing long grass before cutting dramatically reduces welfare incidents. Providing supplementary food and water during dry summers when invertebrate prey is scarce can improve survival through difficult periods.

What You Can Do

Create a 13cm hedgehog highway gap in your garden fencing
Check bonfires and long grass before lighting or cutting
Avoid slug pellets — use physical barriers and wildlife-friendly alternatives instead
Provide fresh water during dry summer periods and supplementary food if hedgehogs are regularly visiting