Hedgehogs, now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction on the UK Red List, are facing a serious threat from habitat fragmentation caused by garden fences and walls, and experts are urging gardeners to make a simple change to help them survive.
September and October are particularly vital months for hedgehogs, as they forage to build essential fat reserves before winter hibernation begins. The need for safe access to food and shelter is urgent, as hedgehogs are increasingly finding their paths obstructed by fences, walls and enclosed outdoor spaces.
Why gardens are a threat
Once free to roam neighbourhood streets under cover of darkness in search of food, shelter and mates, hedgehogs are now being cut off from the resources they require to survive. This phenomenon, known as habitat fragmentation, compels them to undertake longer and far more perilous journeys, often across busy roads.
Dino Decking, working alongside hedgehog rescue expert Julia Sixsmith, founder of Hindley Hedgehog Help, has highlighted the critical importance of Hedgehog Highways. These are small openings in garden fences that enable hedgehogs to travel safely between neighbouring gardens and gain access to the food, shelter and mates they need to thrive.
How to help hedgehogs
Creating connecting gaps between gardens is one of the most powerful ways to support hedgehogs. These small openings can be made with a drill or saw in fences, allowing the creatures to roam more freely across the UK.
Leaving out fresh water is essential for keeping hedgehogs hydrated, with a shallow dish of clean water proving invaluable, particularly during warmer spells. Cutting back on pesticide use can also make a real difference, as pesticides can deplete the insects and invertebrates that hedgehogs rely upon for sustenance.
Additional steps for gardeners
Log piles, leaf heaps and dedicated hedgehog houses can offer safe spots to rest and hibernate, encouraging hedgehogs to take up residence in gardens. Allowing certain areas to grow wild creates a natural habitat for insects and other wildlife, giving hedgehogs a greater opportunity to forage.
For those with ponds, incorporating a gradual slope or escape route can prevent wildlife from becoming stranded. Gardeners are also advised to check long grass, hedges and overgrown patches thoroughly before strimming or mowing.
The campaign follows research revealing that awareness of Hedgehog Highways remains surprisingly low, with 41% of Brits admitting they had never previously heard of them. Fay Vass, Chief Executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said: "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."
She 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."
