Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog: Garden Design for Safe Habitat

Simple garden design changes create safe corridors and habitats that support declining hedgehog populations.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers have declined by over 50% since 2000
13cm holes in garden fences allow hedgehog movement between gardens
Compost heaps and log piles provide nesting and foraging habitat
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde are toxic to hedgehogs and their prey

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs navigating fragmented suburban habitats face road death, garden hazards, and reduced food availability. Connected gardens with safe access routes dramatically reduce individual mortality and support breeding populations.

What You Can Do

Cut a 13cm hedgehog highway hole in your garden fence
Create a log pile or leaf mound as nesting habitat
Switch to wildlife-friendly slug control - no metaldehyde or methiocarb pellets