Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog and Garden Ponds

Garden ponds provide essential water and foraging habitat for hedgehogs, but without proper exits can become deadly traps for these strong but ungainly swimmers.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs can swim but cannot exit ponds with vertical sides
They may fall in whilst drinking or exploring at night
A ramp or textured surface allows hedgehogs to exit ponds safely
Ponds also provide foraging opportunities for aquatic invertebrates hedgehogs eat
Even small wildlife ponds significantly benefit local biodiversity including hedgehogs

Welfare Considerations

Pond drowning is a preventable cause of hedgehog death that affects thousands of animals annually. A simple chicken wire ramp or textured pond exit eliminates this risk entirely. Garden ponds that include safe exits provide net welfare benefit to hedgehogs by supporting the invertebrate communities they forage on. Checking ponds regularly and removing any trapped animals immediately provides additional protection.

What You Can Do

Install a hedgehog ramp or exit in all garden ponds
Check ponds regularly for trapped wildlife
Create a small wildlife pond with shallow edges and a ramp
Learn about garden pond management benefiting wildlife
Support hedgehog conservation organisations through monitoring and habitat improvement