UK Wildlife

UK Hedgehog Conservation and Garden Welfare

The hedgehog has declined by around 30% in rural areas since 2000 but urban populations are faring better, with garden management practices making a significant difference.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog population declined from around 36 million in 1950 to under 1 million today
Rural declines are steeper than urban, linked to agricultural intensification
Hedgehogs travel up to 2km per night and are highly impaired by garden fences
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde were banned in UK in 2022, benefiting hedgehogs
Hedgehog highways - holes in fences - are a simple but effective conservation intervention

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehog welfare in gardens can be improved with relatively simple actions. Slug pellet avoidance, bonfires checks before lighting, pond access ramps, and garden connectivity all help. Hedgehog feeding should not substitute for creating good habitat.

What You Can Do

Make a hedgehog highway in your fence or wall to allow garden-to-garden movement
Check bonfires and large leaf piles before lighting as hedgehogs use them for shelter
Avoid metaldehyde slug pellets and use alternative pest management methods