Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Population Decline: Causes and Solutions

Understanding why hedgehog numbers are falling and what can be done to reverse the trend.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since 2000 in rural areas, with urban populations more stable
Hedgehog highways - holes in garden fences - are a key conservation and welfare intervention
Road mortality is a major cause of hedgehog deaths, with millions killed annually in Europe
Pesticide use reduces earthworm and invertebrate prey availability, increasing starvation risk

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog population decline means individual animals face increased foraging difficulty, isolation, and vulnerability. Garden connectivity, reduced pesticide use, and road-kill mitigation together address the welfare consequences of habitat fragmentation.

What You Can Do

Install hedgehog highways (13x13cm holes) in garden fences and walls
Avoid slug pellets containing metaldehyde or iron phosphate - use deterrents instead
Support road mitigation projects such as underpasses and wildlife-friendly road design