Hedgehog Population Decline and Garden Welfare

British hedgehog populations have declined by 50% since 2000, and garden management practices play a significant role in both the decline and potential recovery.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers have fallen from 30 million in the 1950s to under 1 million
Road traffic kills an estimated 100,000-300,000 hedgehogs annually in the UK
Modern gardens with impermeable fencing prevent hedgehog movement between territories
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde have now been banned in the UK
Hedgehogs need to travel 2-3km per night to meet their foraging needs

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare problems arise from habitat fragmentation: modern gardens are too small and too enclosed to support individual hedgehog ranges. Confined hedgehogs face nutritional stress, reduced reproductive success, and accumulation of parasites. Road-injured hedgehogs present a significant welfare case load to wildlife rehabilitators. Garden connectivity through 13cm hedgehog holes in fences allows movement between territories and dramatically improves foraging welfare.

What You Can Do

Create a 13cm hole in your garden fence to allow hedgehog access
Remove slug pellets and use pet-safe alternatives
Provide fresh water and supplementary food in summer droughts
Avoid using strimmers at dusk when hedgehogs are active
Support British Hedgehog Preservation Society and local hedgehog rescues