Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Garden Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors

Hedgehog populations in the UK have declined dramatically, with garden boundary fragmentation a key driver limiting movement and foraging.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers have fallen by over one third since 2000
A single hedgehog can travel up to 2 km per night foraging
13 cm holes in garden fences dramatically improve hedgehog movement
Hedgehog highways - coordinated hole networks - are now widespread across UK suburbs
Road mortality is the leading cause of hedgehog death

Welfare Considerations

Habitat fragmentation forces hedgehogs into suboptimal territories, increasing road crossing frequency and exposure to predators. Connected garden networks reduce the welfare costs of searching for food, mates, and nesting sites, supporting population recovery and individual wellbeing.

What You Can Do

Create a hedgehog highway hole in garden fences
Join the British Hedgehog Preservation Society network
Avoid using slug pellets that harm hedgehogs