Wildlife

UK Hedgehog Population Decline: Causes and Responses

Hedgehog populations in the UK have declined by approximately 50% since 2000, with welfare and conservation implications for this beloved species.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers fell from an estimated 30 million in the 1950s to under 1 million today
Habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and pesticide reduction of invertebrate prey drive decline
Garden hedgehog populations are now a conservation stronghold as farmland numbers collapse
Hedgehog highways - holes in garden fences - are a simple, high-impact conservation action

Welfare Considerations

Individual hedgehog welfare is affected by food insecurity, road injury, and loss of safe hibernation sites. Conservation actions that increase habitat connectivity and invertebrate availability directly benefit both population recovery and individual animal welfare.

What You Can Do

Create a hedgehog highway by cutting a 13cm hole in garden fences
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in gardens to maintain invertebrate prey
Register your hedgehog-friendly garden at Hedgehog Street