Wildlife

Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation Welfare

Britain's hedgehog population has declined dramatically, with rescue and rehabilitation playing an important welfare and conservation role.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since 2000
An estimated 100,000 hedgehogs are brought to rescue centres annually
Common presentations include underweight, road injuries, and bonfires
Hedgehogs need to weigh at least 450g to survive hibernation
Garden obstacles including ponds, drain covers, and netting cause injury

Welfare Considerations

Underweight autumn juveniles face a slow death from hypothermia during hibernation. Injured hedgehogs suffer from road collision trauma, garden machinery wounds, and entanglement. Rescue centres provide warmth, appropriate feeding, and veterinary care. Released hedgehogs need connected gardens with cover and food. Isolation of gardens prevents recovery and prevents recolonisation.

What You Can Do

Make a hedgehog hole (13x13 cm) in garden fences to allow movement
Check compost heaps and bonfires before disturbing them
Cover pond edges and drains where hedgehogs can fall and drown
Support British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Contact your local hedgehog rescue if you find an injured or underweight hedgehog