Wild Hedgehog Welfare and Garden Safety

Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically in the UK and Europe, and garden management can make a significant difference to local populations.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by approximately 50% since 2000, with the species listed as Vulnerable on the national Red List
Road mortality, habitat loss, and reduction in invertebrate prey are the primary drivers of decline
Gardens can provide significant feeding, nesting, and movement habitat if managed to support wildlife
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde or methiocarb kill hedgehogs directly or through secondary poisoning of their invertebrate prey
Bonfires, strimmers, swimming pools, and garden netting cause significant hedgehog injury and mortality

Welfare Considerations

Individual hedgehog welfare and population conservation are inseparable. Each garden that creates habitat connectivity, avoids pesticide use, and removes hazards contributes both to individual animal wellbeing and population recovery. The suffering caused by strimmer injuries — which amputate spines and limbs — and bonfire burning is preventable with basic precautionary practice. Collective garden-by-garden improvement is the most accessible conservation action available to UK and European homeowners.

What You Can Do

Create a 13 cm gap in garden boundaries to allow hedgehog movement between gardens
Avoid all slug pellets — use physical deterrents or copper tape instead
Check bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting and cut grass before strimming to allow wildlife to escape
Provide a hedgehog house and supplementary food including meat-based cat food in late autumn to support winter weight gain