Wild Animals

Supporting Hedgehog Welfare in Gardens

Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically in the UK; gardens can play a vital role in their survival and welfare.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by over 50 percent since the 1990s
Road deaths, loss of hedgerows, and garden pesticide use are major causes
Hedgehogs need to roam up to 2 km per night to find food and mates
Garden slug pellets containing metaldehyde or ferric phosphate can harm hedgehogs
Hedgehog highways (13 cm holes in garden fences) allow safe movement between gardens

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs face mounting threats from habitat fragmentation, pesticides, and road traffic. Gardens collectively form a significant wildlife habitat network, and simple modifications can make a major difference for hedgehog survival and welfare.

What You Can Do

Create a 13 cm hedgehog hole in your garden fence
Stop using slug pellets and switch to physical barriers instead
Leave areas of your garden wild to support hedgehog foraging
Provide supplementary food and water, especially in dry weather
Check bonfire piles for hedgehogs before lighting