Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Garden-Friendly Practices

Simple garden changes can make a significant difference to hedgehog survival in urban areas.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers have fallen from 30 million to fewer than 1 million since 1950
Garden hedgehog populations are more stable than rural ones
Hedgehogs travel up to 2km per night requiring connectivity between gardens
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde have been linked to hedgehog deaths

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs in gardens without connectivity face territorial stress and inability to find adequate food and mates. Those who eat poisoned slugs die slowly from neurotoxic effects. Garden ponds without exit ramps drown hedgehogs that fall in. Simple modifications — hedge holes, ramps, and poison-free slug control — prevent individual hedgehog suffering while supporting population recovery.

What You Can Do

Cut a 13x13cm hole in your garden fence to create a hedgehog highway
Provide water and supplementary food (meaty cat or dog food)
Never use metaldehyde or methiocarb slug pellets
Check areas before strimming and leave leaf piles undisturbed in autumn