Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Urban Connectivity

Urban hedgehogs are declining sharply due to habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and loss of foraging corridors between gardens.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since 2000
Gardens represent critical refugia but are often isolated by fencing
Hedgehog highways - 13cm holes in fences - allow movement between properties
Road mortality is one of the leading causes of hedgehog death in urban areas
Supplementary feeding can support local populations during food scarcity

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehogs face a landscape increasingly hostile to their survival and welfare. Simple, low-cost actions by homeowners can dramatically improve connectivity and reduce the suffering caused by urban hazards.

What You Can Do

Cut a hedgehog highway hole in your garden fence or wall
Remove garden netting that can trap and injure hedgehogs
Support local hedgehog recording schemes and conservation groups