Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Garden Connectivity

Hedgehogs are increasingly confined to fragmented habitats by garden fencing and walls. Creating connected corridors through suburban gardens significantly helps hedgehog populations find food, mates, and safe shelter.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since the 1950s
Hedgehogs roam up to 2km per night in search of food
13cm holes in fences allow hedgehog access while excluding most other species
Joined-up garden networks have been shown to increase hedgehog sightings
Roads, ponds, and netting pose additional hazards in urban gardens

Welfare Considerations

Isolated garden hedgehogs face starvation, reproductive failure, and increased road mortality. Simple modifications to garden boundaries to allow hedgehog movement through neighbourhoods can dramatically improve individual welfare and population recovery.

What You Can Do

Make a 13cm gap in your garden fence to allow hedgehog access
Join the Hedgehog Street initiative and register your hedgehog-friendly garden
Avoid using slug pellets and check for hedgehogs before strimming