Hedgehogs are officially classified as vulnerable to extinction on the UK Red List, with one of the biggest threats being fences and walls in gardens that block their Hedgehog Highway routes to food, shelter and mates.
September and October were especially critical months for hedgehogs, as they hunted for food to build essential fat reserves before winter hibernation. That need for safe access to nourishment and shelter is even more urgent now that hedgehogs are officially listed as vulnerable to extinction.
Habitat Fragmentation Threat
Once free to wander at night across neighbourhoods searching for food, shelter and mates, hedgehogs are progressively discovering their paths obstructed by fences, walls and enclosed outdoor areas. Referred to as habitat fragmentation, this leaves hedgehogs isolated from the resources they require to survive and compels them to undertake longer and more perilous journeys, frequently crossing busy roads.
Dino Decking, working alongside hedgehog rescue specialist Julia Sixsmith, founder of Hindley Hedgehog Help, highlighted the significance of Hedgehog Highways. These are small openings in fences that enable hedgehogs to move safely between gardens and reach the food, shelter and mates they need to survive.
Simple Steps to Help Hedgehogs
Creating pathways between gardens is one of the best ways to help hedgehogs. These are small openings you can make with a drill or saw in your fence, and they make the UK a little easier for these tiny creatures to get around.
Leaving out fresh water is essential for keeping hedgehogs hydrated. A shallow dish of clean water can offer a vital resource, especially during warmer weather. Attempting to cut down on pesticide use can also make a real difference, as pesticides can diminish the insects and invertebrates that hedgehogs rely on for food.
Log piles, leaf piles and purpose-built hedgehog houses can offer safe spots to rest and hibernate, encouraging them to remain in your garden. Allowing some sections to grow wild creates habitat for insects and other wildlife, and will also give hedgehogs better opportunities to feed. If you have a pond, ensure you include a gentle slope or exit route to stop wildlife from getting trapped. Finally, you should always check before strimming or mowing, examining long grass, hedges and overgrown sections before using garden equipment.
Low Awareness of Hedgehog Highways
The campaign comes as research showed awareness of Hedgehog Highways remains low, with 41% of Brits admitting they had never heard of them before. Fay Vass, Chief Executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, commented: "Sadly, hedgehogs are a species on the edge of real trouble, but making Hedgehog Highways a part of your garden is a simple action which can have a huge impact for these amazing spiny mammals."
Vass added: "Hedgehogs can roam surprisingly long distances, but they can't climb over fences or dig beneath solid walls, so Hedgehog Highway gaps at the base of walls and fences are vital to ensure they can reach the habitat and resources they need to thrive in the wild."
