Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Hibernation Welfare

Hedgehog hibernation is a critical survival strategy that depends on adequate fat reserves and safe hibernation sites. Garden management can support successful hibernation.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs hibernate from November to March in the UK, requiring fat reserves built during autumn
Underweight hedgehogs below 600g attempting hibernation face starvation risk during mild weather arousal
Providing supplementary food through October and early November helps underweight hedgehogs gain reserves
Log piles, leaf piles, and purpose-built hedgehog houses provide safe hibernation sites in gardens
Bonfire stacks should be checked for hedgehogs before lighting on Guy Fawkes Night

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog hibernation welfare depends on the twin requirements of adequate fat reserves and safe hibernation sites. Both can be influenced by garden management. Supplementary autumn feeding helps underweight individuals build reserves, while habitat provision creates safe hibernation sites. These are among the most accessible and high-impact wildlife welfare actions available to gardeners.

What You Can Do

Provide supplementary food through October for hedgehogs building hibernation reserves
Create or purchase a hedgehog hibernation house with appropriate insulation and siting
Check bonfire stacks for hedgehogs before lighting and move piles to check for residents
Leave leaf piles undisturbed from November to March to protect hibernating hedgehogs