UK hedgehog numbers have fallen from an estimated 30 million in the 1950s to under 1 million today. Rural populations have halved since 2000. Gardens are now critical habitat, with one in three hedgehogs relying on suburban areas. A 13cm square hole in a garden fence creates a hedgehog highway between gardens. Log piles, leaf piles, and purpose-built hedgehog houses provide nesting and hibernation sites.
Key takeaways
- UK hedgehog numbers have crashed from 30 million in the 1950s to under 1 million today
- A 13cm x 13cm hole at the base of a garden fence creates a hedgehog highway
- Log piles and leaf piles provide free, natural nesting and hibernation sites
- Metaldehyde slug pellets are lethal to hedgehogs — use wildlife-safe alternatives
- Always check long grass, log piles, and bonfires before cutting, moving, or lighting
- Hedgehogs eat up to 80 beetles, caterpillars, and slugs per night — natural pest control
hedgehogs wildlife garden hedgehog house hedgehog highway garden wildlife
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
