Urban Hedgehog Conservation and Welfare

Hedgehog populations have declined by up to 50% in the UK since the 1990s. Urban gardens can provide crucial refuges if designed and managed with hedgehog welfare in mind.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers have fallen from 30 million in the 1950s to around 1 million today
Urban hedgehogs may be faring better than rural ones in recent years
Hedgehogs need access to multiple gardens and travel 1-2 km per night
Garden fencing prevents movement; a 13cm gap at the base enables hedgehog passage
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde are toxic to hedgehogs and were banned in UK in 2022

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs face threats from habitat fragmentation, road traffic, pesticides, and garden hazards. Those that survive face risks from garden machinery, garden ponds (drowning), bonfires, and netting. Urban hedgehogs benefit greatly from connected gardens — a network of hedgehog-friendly spaces can support healthy populations. Individual welfare considerations include ensuring garden ponds have exit ramps, checking for hedgehogs before using strimmers, and avoiding toxic pesticides. Hedgehog welfare is closely linked to ecological health.

What You Can Do

Cut a 13cm hedgehog highway gap in your fence and encourage neighbours to do the same
Register your gap at the BigHedgehogMap at Hedgehog Street
Avoid using metaldehyde or methiocarb slug pellets — use wildlife-friendly alternatives
Place a ramp in any steep-sided garden pond or water feature
Check compost heaps and leaf piles for sheltering hedgehogs before disturbing them