Hedgehog Population Decline and Urban Welfare

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% since 2000, with urban populations now more important for conservation than rural areas once rich in hedgehogs.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog population estimated at under 900,000, down from 30 million in the 1950s
Urban hedgehogs now have higher survival rates than rural hedgehogs due to badger predation reduction
Hedgehogs travel 1-2km per night — garden fences cause significant mortality as they attempt to cross
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde kill hedgehogs that eat poisoned slugs
Hedgehogs hibernate from November to March — disturbing hibernation causes fatal energy expenditure

Welfare Considerations

The hedgehog decline is a welfare and conservation crisis that humans have created and can reverse. Garden fences fragment hedgehog territories, forcing risky road crossings. Pesticides poison their food chain. Tidiness removes the leaf piles and log stacks they need for nesting. Bonfires kill hibernating individuals. Each of these harms is preventable with modest behavior changes by gardeners and councils. Urban hedgehogs can thrive if given connected green space, safe foraging and nesting opportunities — making hedgehog-friendly gardening one of the most accessible forms of wildlife welfare action.

What You Can Do

Create a 13cm gap in your garden fence to allow hedgehog passage
Check bonfires before lighting for hibernating hedgehogs
Avoid slug pellets — use copper tape, beer traps or simply hand-pick slugs
Register your garden with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society hedgehog street program