Hedgehog Population Decline: Urban Conservation and Welfare

UK hedgehog populations have declined by approximately 50% since the year 2000, with suburban gardens representing an increasingly important refuge and welfare lifeline for this iconic species.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers have fallen from an estimated 30 million in the 1950s to under 900,000 today
Garden connectivity through hedgehog holes in fences dramatically improves survival by allowing foraging range expansion
Slug pellets, bonfires, and strimmers kill substantial numbers of hedgehogs each year
Garden ponds with escape ramps, removal of netting, and log piles provide crucial habitat
Urban hedgehog populations are now larger than rural populations, which have declined more severely

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehog welfare is affected by a range of human activities including direct physical harm from garden machinery and poisoning from pesticides. Fragmented gardens that prevent hedgehogs reaching sufficient foraging territory cause starvation and reduced fitness. Hibernation sites disturbed or destroyed by garden clearance cause hedgehogs to rouse when insufficient fat reserves may not support survival. Simple garden modifications can substantially improve both welfare and population outcomes for hedgehogs in urban areas.

What You Can Do

Make a 13cm hole at the base of your garden fence to allow hedgehog movement - join the Hedgehog Street campaign
Avoid slug pellets and garden chemicals that poison hedgehog prey and hedgehogs directly
Check for hedgehogs before strimming long grass or lighting bonfires
Leave a log pile or dedicated hedgehog house as a dry hibernation site
Sign up to the Big Hedgehog Map to contribute sightings data to conservation monitoring