Urban Wildlife

Urban Hedgehog Welfare and Garden Safety

Hedgehogs face numerous garden and urban hazards that cause preventable injury and death.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined over 50% since 2000
Garden strimmers and mowers kill hedgehogs sheltering in grass
Bonfires and bonfire structures trap and burn hedgehogs
Ponds without escape ramps cause hedgehog drowning

Welfare Considerations

Garden hazards cause preventable suffering for hedgehogs: strimmers lacerate or kill animals sheltering in grass, bonfires burn those taking shelter in leaf piles, and ponds trap them. Garden chemicals and slug pellets reduce their food sources and cause secondary poisoning. Simple garden modifications dramatically improve hedgehog survival.

What You Can Do

Check areas before strimming or mowing for hedgehogs
Install escape ramps in garden ponds
Move bonfire structures on the day of burning
Avoid metaldehyde slug pellets and use hedgehog-safe alternatives