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A recent study highlights the crucial role that British gardens play in the survival of hedgehogs, shedding light on their largely hidden nocturnal activities. Researchers equipped more than 400 households in Chester with wildlife cameras to monitor hedgehog visits over an extended period. Findings revealed that hedgehogs appeared in over half of these gardens, with the availability of food serving as a strong draw for the spiny mammals. These nighttime garden visits could offer essential insights into how hedgehogs might persist despite their declining populations.
Hedgehogs in the UK are currently classified as vulnerable to extinction, particularly affected in rural areas where their numbers have sharply decreased. Factors such as loss of natural habitats, intensive agricultural practices, and road fatalities have contributed significantly to this decline. Kelly Hitchcock, the lead researcher affiliated with Nottingham Trent University and Chester Zoo, noted: “The pattern that we’ve seen is that hedgehog populations in rural areas have declined – gardens seem like a really important habitat – so it’s really important that people are aware of that.” By analyzing thousands of images captured from 415 gardens, the research team was able to determine how often hedgehogs were spotted and what garden features encouraged their visits.
One of the most influential factors attracting hedgehogs to gardens was leaving out food. However, the study also emphasized the importance of providing wildlife-friendly environments, as hedgehogs require adequate space to hibernate and breed. Essential habitat features include areas with wildflowers, native plants, piles of leaf litter and logs, as well as holes in garden fences that allow hedgehogs to roam freely over larger territories. Hitchcock cautioned that while feeding hedgehogs can be beneficial, care should be taken regarding the suitability of the food offered, stating, “It’s not that we want to say everybody feed hedgehogs because we don’t know the long-term impacts.”
The increase in hedgehogs needing assistance from rescue organizations reflects the ongoing pressure on their natural environments. Sarah Liney from Hedgehog Helpline in South Wales pointed out that daytime activity, or signs of injury in hedgehogs, is concerning. She explained the broader goal of rehabilitation efforts: “If we can release a healthy hedgehog back into the wild, to be the hedgehog it is supposed to be, and it can produce or help to produce more litters then at least that is going to help with the hedgehog population to continue for years to come within our country.” Conservation experts also emphasize how gardens now serve as vital refuges for these creatures, offering space for them to overwinter, mate, and thrive in suburban settings
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