Wildlife

Hedgehog Welfare in Gardens: 2026 Conservation Guide

The hedgehog has declined by at least 50% in rural areas and around 25% in towns since 2000, making garden management one of the most important hedgehog conservation actions available.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog population estimated at under 1 million down from 30 million in the 1950s
Garden populations are more stable than rural populations
Need to roam up to 2km per night to find food and mates
Road mortality and garden hazards including bonfires and strimmers kill thousands
Hog-holes in fences allowing garden access are a simple but effective intervention

Welfare Considerations

Individual hedgehogs trapped in enclosed gardens suffer from restricted territory and reduced food and mate access. Garden hazards including ponds without exit ramps, netting, and bonfires cause drowning, entanglement, and burning. Simple garden modifications dramatically improve hedgehog welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Make a 13cm gap at the base of all garden fences
Check for hedgehogs before strimming or lighting bonfires
Install pond ramps to allow hedgehogs to escape water
Provide supplementary food and water during dry summers
Record hedgehog activity and report to PTES Big Hedgehog Map