Wildlife

Hedgehog Welfare: Garden Ecology and Population Decline

Overview of hedgehog welfare in garden and agricultural settings and conservation interventions.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog population declined by 50% since 2000
Garden fragmentation by solid boundary fencing is a major welfare barrier
Road mortality causes millions of hedgehog deaths annually in the UK
Supplementary feeding during dry summers supports hedgehog welfare
Hedgehog highways through fences connect habitat and reduce isolation

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare in 2026 is shaped by severe population decline driven by habitat fragmentation, agricultural intensification, and road mortality. Garden connectivity through hedgehog highways, reduced pesticide use, and supplementary feeding during stress periods are practical interventions. National campaigns have raised public awareness and driven significant volunteer engagement in hedgehog conservation.

What You Can Do

Create a hedgehog highway by cutting a 13cm gap in garden fencing
Provide supplementary cat food or hedgehog food during dry summer periods
Record hedgehog sightings through Hedgehog Street and People's Trust for Endangered Species