Scientists show that gardens matter more than ever
Studies by Nottingham Trent University and others have confirmed that hedgehogs are now vulnerable to extinction in Britain, with populations falling particularly in rural areas due to habitat loss, intensive farming and death on roads.
Numbers of hedgehogs have fallen by up to 50% in rural areas since 2000 – but gardens can be a really important habitat.
The experts say that, whilst leaving food out can be helpful, providing wildlife friendly features in gardens is essential too as hedgehogs struggle to find space to hibernate and breed.
These include patches of wildflowers, native plants, leaf litter and log piles, and holes in fences to create 'hedgehog highways' so hedgehogs can roam over large areas.
They add that if people are providing wildlife food, they should be mindful of what that food is and whether it's suitable for hedgehogs.
The study comes as increasing numbers of hedgehogs need help from rescue charities as they lose their natural habitats.
Conservation biologist, Dr Rebecca Thomas, of Royal Holloway, University of London, who is not connected with the study, said gardens are increasingly becoming important habitats for hedgehogs as numbers fall in the countryside.
"The best thing people can do for hedgehogs in gardens is to create wild spaces for them - areas where they can over-winter, mate, live happily, and hopefully we can keep the populations going,” she said.
“And if you do choose to feed hedgehogs use appropriate food, such as cat biscuits, and practice good hygiene,” she added, “hedgehogs don't need anything else affecting their populations through the spread of disease."
Buriton’s seasonal guides to how we can help hedgehogs were published in each edition of the Parish Magazine during 2025 and can be found on the ‘nature’ section of the community website: Helping nature help us | Buriton Community Website. The new university research is published in the journal Urban Ecosystems.
The RSPCA also provides tips on how you can make your garden hedgehog friendly: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/hedgehogs/garden
