Wildlife Conservation

Hedgehog Habitat: Supporting Wild Populations

European hedgehogs have declined by over 50% in rural areas and 30% in urban areas since the 1990s. Habitat connectivity, food availability, and reduced threats are key to supporting remaining populations.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog population estimated at under 1 million, down from 30 million in the 1950s
Hedgehogs travel 1-2 km per night, requiring connected habitat
Pesticide use reduces invertebrate prey availability significantly
Road deaths account for hundreds of thousands of hedgehog fatalities annually
Garden connectivity through hedgehog holes (13cm x 13cm) is critical for movement
Hedgehogs hibernate from November-March and need suitable nest sites

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs face multiple welfare challenges including road traffic injuries, entanglement in garden netting, slug pellet poisoning, and starvation when natural food is scarce. Injured hedgehogs should receive prompt veterinary care through wildlife rescue centers. Captive rehabilitation should prioritize return to suitable habitat. Reducing threats through wildlife-friendly gardening practices directly improves welfare at the population level.

What You Can Do

Create a hedgehog hole (13x13cm) in your garden fence to allow movement
Avoid slug pellets; use iron phosphate pellets if necessary or encourage natural predators
Check bonfire piles before lighting and grass before strimming
Provide supplementary food (meat-based cat food or hedgehog food) in autumn
Report hedgehog sightings to the People's Trust for Endangered Species
Support local hedgehog rescue groups and wildlife-friendly farming initiatives