Hedgehog Garden Management and Welfare

UK garden management practices significantly affect hedgehog welfare, with hazards including bonfires, netting, ponds, slug pellets, and garden chemicals common causes of hedgehog injury and death.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs are estimated to have declined by over 50% in the UK since 2000
Gardens collectively represent significant hedgehog habitat in the UK, making garden management important for population survival
Bonfire pile injuries are common in autumn when hedgehogs shelter in leaf piles prepared for burning
Pond steep sides without exit ramps drown hedgehogs that fall in while drinking or exploring
Garden netting traps and injures hedgehogs, particularly strawberry netting and football net mesh
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde or methiocarb cause hedgehog poisoning either directly or via poisoned slugs

Welfare Considerations

Gardens are frontline hedgehog habitat, and the choices individual gardeners make have cumulative population-level effects. Removing hazards, providing hedgehog-friendly features, and connecting gardens through hedgehog highways are among the highest-impact actions individuals can take for UK hedgehog conservation and welfare. The People's Trust for Endangered Species' hedgehog street programme has demonstrated the effectiveness of community-level garden connectivity initiatives.

What You Can Do

Check bonfires for hedgehogs immediately before lighting by moving the pile to a new location
Install a pond ramp or rough stones to allow hedgehogs to escape if they fall into garden ponds
Remove garden netting and football nets at night when hedgehogs are active
Switch to wildlife-friendly slug control methods including copper tape and biological nematode treatments
Create a 13x13cm hedgehog highway gap in your garden fence to allow hedgehog passage