Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically across Europe. Simple garden modifications can support hedgehog welfare and contribute to population recovery.
Hedgehogs in fragmented garden environments cannot find sufficient food, mates, or nesting sites. Solid garden fencing creates habitat islands that trap populations below viable sizes. Chemical pesticides applied in gardens reduce the invertebrate prey hedgehogs depend on and can cause direct poisoning. Litter including plastic rings, elastic bands, and netting entangles hedgehogs causing injury and death. Garden ponds without exit ramps cause drowning for hedgehogs that fall in while foraging.