Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Garden Connectivity

Urban hedgehog populations are fragmented by garden fencing - creating connectivity between gardens is one of the most effective welfare interventions.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs need to travel 2-4 km per night to find sufficient food
Garden fencing blocks movement and isolates hedgehog populations
A 13 x 13 cm hole in a fence is sufficient to allow hedgehog passage
Over 1 million hedgehog holes have been recorded across the UK through voluntary schemes
Connected gardens support larger viable hedgehog populations with better welfare outcomes
The Big Hedgehog Map tracks hedgehog distribution and helps identify priority areas for connectivity

Welfare Considerations

Garden boundary permeability is one of the most direct and impactful welfare interventions for urban hedgehogs. Isolated garden populations become inbred, have difficulty finding mates, and face higher mortality from starvation. Creating connectivity requires minimal effort and has significant population-level welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Cut a 13 x 13 cm hole in your garden fence or gate to allow hedgehog passage
Register your hedgehog hole at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website
Encourage your neighbours to create holes in connecting fences
Remove or create gaps around pond netting and other garden hazards
Provide supplementary food and water for hedgehogs visiting your garden