Welfare of Wild Hedgehogs in Gardens and Urban Environments

Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically in the UK, and urban garden management plays a significant role in their welfare and survival.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since 2000 in rural areas; urban populations have fared somewhat better
Garden fragmentation by solid fencing prevents hedgehog movement — they require territories of approximately 1 km2
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde or methiocarb cause secondary poisoning of hedgehogs — now banned in the UK
Strimmers and mowing cause severe injuries and deaths to hedgehogs resting in long grass during daylight
Ponds without exit ramps cause drowning of hedgehogs that cannot climb smooth sides
Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant — feeding them milk causes diarrhoea; water and wet cat food are appropriate
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society runs the Hedgehog Street campaign for garden-connected wildlife corridors

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare in urban environments is directly shaped by the cumulative decisions of individual householders. Each garden fence without a hedgehog highway reduces foraging territory. Each slug pellet application risks a hedgehog death. Each strimming of long grass risks a hedgehog injury. The welfare picture is clear — hedgehogs in fragmented, chemically managed urban gardens face chronic stress, injury risk, and reduced survival. The solutions are individually accessible and collectively powerful: hedgehog-sized gaps in fences, pesticide-free slug management, pond ramps, and checking before strimming. Community-level coordination multiplies individual impact.

What You Can Do

Cut a 13cm x 13cm gap in your garden fence to allow hedgehog movement between gardens
Check long grass before mowing or strimming — hedgehogs rest in vegetation during daylight
Provide a hedgehog house and leave a shallow dish of water in your garden
Never use slug pellets — use physical barriers or nematodes for slug control instead
Join the Hedgehog Street campaign and connect your garden to the wider wildlife corridor