Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Garden Hedgehog Welfare

Garden hedgehog welfare is supported by simple management changes that provide food, shelter, and safe passage through increasingly fragmented urban habitats.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by 50% in rural areas and 30% in urban areas since 2000
Hedgehogs are predominantly insectivorous and benefit from pesticide-free invertebrate-rich gardens
Garden bonfire piles are a leading cause of hedgehog mortality during autumn dormancy preparation
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde are toxic to hedgehogs and banned in the UK from 2022
Supplementary feeding with cat food and water supports hedgehogs in gardens through the year

Welfare Considerations

Garden management for hedgehogs directly reduces individual welfare suffering and population decline. Simple changes make gardens safe, food-rich, and connected for hedgehogs.

What You Can Do

Check garden bonfires for sheltering hedgehogs before lighting
Avoid slug pellets and other pesticides that harm hedgehog prey and directly poison hedgehogs
Provide cat food (not bread or milk) and water for garden hedgehogs