Hedgehog Welfare in UK Gardens: Connectivity and Habitat Provision

Hedgehog populations have declined dramatically in UK gardens and countryside, with garden barriers being a leading cause of population fragmentation.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog population has declined from 36 million in the 1950s to under 1 million
Gardens cover 25% of UK urban land and are critical hedgehog habitat
Impermeable garden fencing prevents hedgehog movement across territories
They need access to multiple gardens to meet foraging and breeding needs
Slug pellets containing metaldehyde have been banned but alternatives remain a hazard

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs trapped in enclosed gardens cannot meet their foraging and social needs, causing nutritional stress and reproductive isolation. Their complex foraging ecology requires access to multiple garden habitats across a large area. Garden connectivity through 13cm square holes in fencing allows movement and supports viable populations. Slug pellets, strimmers, bonfire materials, and garden netting cause welfare harm ranging from poisoning to entanglement and strimmer lacerations.

What You Can Do

Cut hedgehog-sized holes in your garden fencing to allow movement
Register your garden with Hedgehog Street and create hedgehog awareness
Avoid metaldehyde and ferric phosphate slug pellet use
Check for hedgehogs before mowing and strimming
Build a hedgehog hibernation box and provide fresh water in your garden