Wild Hedgehog Welfare and Urban Barriers

Western European hedgehogs are declining rapidly and face welfare impacts from garden fencing, road traffic, and habitat fragmentation in urban landscapes.

Key Facts

Hedgehog populations in the UK have declined by approximately 50 percent since the year 2000
Garden fencing without hedgehog gaps prevents movement between territories essential for feeding and reproduction
Road traffic is a major mortality cause for hedgehogs that frequently cross roads at night
Pesticide use in gardens reduces the invertebrate prey that hedgehogs depend on
Simple wildlife garden design changes including hedgehog gaps significantly support local populations

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare in urban environments is directly affected by the design decisions of individual homeowners. A solid garden fence that prevents hedgehog passage through the neighborhood eliminates access to the food resources that hedgehogs need to overwinter successfully. Each garden without a hedgehog gap is a potential death trap for animals that may walk miles searching for food. The welfare and conservation solution is widely accessible: a small gap at the base of every garden fence, reduced pesticide use, and a log pile for hibernation would meaningfully improve hedgehog welfare across entire neighborhoods.

What You Can Do

Create a hedgehog gap in your garden fence by leaving a 13cm gap at the base
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use to support the invertebrate prey hedgehogs need
Build a log pile or hedgehog house to provide overwinter hibernation habitat
Connect with your neighbors to create hedgehog-friendly networks across multiple gardens