Help save our hedgehogs

Despite being popular and adaptable, hedgehog numbers have dramatically declined. They face widespread habitat loss. Whilst they can, and often do, live happily alongside us, front gardens are being paved over, and back gardens are becoming increasingly inaccessible. And, of course, they’re at risk from being killed on the roads that criss-cross their habitat. Our data suggest rural hedgehog populations have plummeted by up to 75% in some areas since 2000. 

But there’s recently been a slowing in the decline in urban populations. We’re making progress in our efforts to save hedgehogs. This year we launched the first national survey specifically designed to monitor hedgehogs. And we’re working with housing developers and land managers to make urban landscapes less dangerous for wildlife. But the situation remains dire for our ‘hogs, especially in more rural areas, so we need your help to save them. 

We’ve just launched a new National Hedgehog Strategy. We created it with input from many wildlife organisations, farmers, house builders, rail networks and Highways England. It’s through working together, and with help from our supporters, that we can halt wildlife declines. A gift from you would help us continue to: 

• encourage thousands more people to make their gardens accessible and friendly to hedgehogs, 
• work with landowners, farmers and developers to make green spaces and farmland more wildlife-friendly, 
• repair and restore hedgerows, which rural hedgehogs rely on for safe travel and foraging, 
• run the national hedgehog survey, monitoring hedgehogs in different habitats; we’ll be analysing this year’s results soon. 

Hedgehog numbers are a reflection of the quality of our wider environment. When they start to disappear, we should all be concerned. They’re a much-loved part of our landscape and our history. Many of us have fond memories of seeing them more frequently in the past. It’s a big worry that they’re struggling so much. By ensuring their survival, we can protect them from dying out, as well as the many other species that share their habitat.  

Please can you help hedgehogs with a gift? Your support will make a difference in the lives of hedgehogs and help protect our wildlife for years to come.

Thank you.

Header image credit Christopher Morgan