Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Orphaned Hedgehog Care 2026

Hedgehog populations are declining in the UK and hedgehog welfare in gardens, roads, and during hibernation is an increasingly important issue.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by 50% since the 1950s
Road mortality, garden hazards, and habitat loss are primary threats
Underweight hedgehogs in autumn cannot hibernate safely and need rescue
Garden hedgehog highways (13cm holes in fences) enable population connectivity
Supplementary feeding with cat or dog food (not milk or bread) supports garden hedgehogs

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs face multiple welfare threats from human infrastructure and land management. Simple garden changes can provide refuge and prevent individual suffering.

What You Can Do

Create hedgehog-friendly garden habitat with log piles and gaps in fences
Check bonfires before lighting and grass before mowing
Contact your local hedgehog rescue if you find an injured or underweight hedgehog