Hedgehog Welfare: Helping Garden Hedgehogs Thrive

Hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% in rural areas and up to 30% in urban areas in the UK since 2000, but individuals can be significantly helped by garden-friendly practices.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined from an estimated 30 million in the 1950s to under 1 million today
Hedgehogs are estimated to travel 2km per night when foraging
They hibernate from November to March, requiring suitable undisturbed hibernation sites
Road deaths, garden hazards, and loss of foraging habitat are primary mortality causes

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehogs face a suite of welfare threats. Fences and walls prevent them from accessing adequate foraging territory, leading to starvation. Garden chemicals including slug pellets containing metaldehyde and pesticides deplete their insect prey base and can poison hedgehogs directly. Bonfires and strimmers injure or kill hedgehogs sheltering in vegetation. Garden ponds without easy-access ramps cause drowning. Hedgehogs are often given bread and milk by well-meaning people, causing digestive problems. Supplementary feeding with wet cat food or hedgehog food in late autumn can significantly improve winter condition. Injured hedgehogs found during daylight are in distress and need immediate veterinary attention.

What You Can Do

Cut a 13cm x 13cm hedgehog highway hole in garden fences or walls
Avoid slug pellets and pesticides that deplete hedgehog prey
Add a ramp to garden ponds so hedgehogs can escape if they fall in
Check bonfire piles for hedgehogs before lighting and check grass before strimming
Contact your local hedgehog rescue organization if you find a hedgehog out during daylight