Hedgehogs’ survival hangs in our gardens this winter: here’s what you need to do

18 December 2025

The familiar rustle in the undergrowth, a comforting sound of British gardens, is growing quieter. As autumn leaves fall and a chill settles in the air, one of our most cherished native mammals, the hedgehog, faces a critical period. Their populations have plummeted in recent decades, and the approaching winter represents an annual battle for survival. For many, the manicured, fenced-in nature of our modern gardens has become less of a sanctuary and more of an obstacle course fraught with peril. The fate of these creatures now rests, more than ever, in the hands of homeowners willing to make small but vital changes to their outdoor spaces.

Why hedgehogs are threatened this winter

Habitat loss and fragmentation

The primary driver behind the hedgehog’s decline is the loss and fragmentation of its habitat. Urban and suburban spread has replaced rambling hedgerows and copses with roads, housing estates, and impermeable fences. A single hedgehog needs to roam over a large area, often more than a mile each night, to find enough food and a mate. When our gardens are sealed off from one another with solid fencing and concrete gravel boards, these vital roaming routes are severed. This isolates populations, reduces genetic diversity, and critically limits their ability to find the resources needed to fatten up before hibernation. Without access to a network of gardens, a hedgehog is effectively trapped, unable to sustain itself through the lean months.

The impact of modern gardening practices

Our obsession with neat, tidy gardens has inadvertently created hostile environments for wildlife. The widespread use of pesticides, particularly slug pellets containing metaldehyde, is a significant threat. Hedgehogs that consume poisoned slugs can suffer from secondary poisoning, which is often fatal. Furthermore, the move towards low-maintenance gravel, decking, and artificial lawns removes the very features they rely on. A lack of log piles, compost heaps, and overgrown corners means fewer insects for them to eat and fewer natural places to build a hibernation nest, known as a hibernaculum. Even simple garden tools can become deadly traps, with hedgehogs known to fall into uncovered drains or become entangled in fruit netting.

Population decline statistics

The data paints a stark picture of the challenges these animals face. Conservation groups have tracked a dramatic fall in hedgehog numbers across both rural and urban environments. This decline highlights the urgent need for intervention, especially during the vulnerable winter period when natural food sources disappear and the cold sets in.

Period	Estimated Population Decline (UK)	Primary Contributing Factors
Since 2000	Approximately 30-50% in urban areas	Habitat fragmentation, road traffic, pesticide use
Since 1950s	Over 95% in rural areas	Intensive agriculture, loss of hedgerows

The severity of these threats underscores why understanding their fundamental requirements is the first step towards effective conservation from our own back gardens.

Understanding the essential needs of hedgehogs

The crucial role of hibernation

Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in endotherms, and for hedgehogs, it is an essential survival strategy for winter. To survive this period, which can last from November to mid-March, they must build up significant fat reserves. During hibernation, their body temperature drops to match their surroundings and their heart rate slows dramatically, from around 190 beats per minute to a mere 20. This process conserves energy when their natural food supply of insects and other invertebrates is unavailable. A safe, dry, and undisturbed nest is paramount. If a hedgehog is disturbed mid-hibernation, it uses up precious energy reserves to wake up, which can be fatal if it cannot find enough food to replenish them.

Pre-hibernation diet and hydration

To survive the winter, a hedgehog must reach a healthy weight of at least 600 grams before hibernating. They are insectivores, and their natural diet consists of a variety of garden invertebrates. Preparing for winter involves a frantic period of feeding to build up the necessary body fat.

Natural food sources: Beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs, and millipedes.
Weight gain: They must consume a large volume of these invertebrates during autumn.
Hydration: Access to fresh water is just as important as food. Dehydration is a serious risk, especially if they wake briefly during a mild spell.

It is crucial to remember that while they are opportunistic eaters, some common foods are extremely harmful. Never give hedgehogs milk or bread, as they are lactose intolerant and bread offers no nutritional value, simply filling their stomachs.

The need for a safe territory

Beyond food and a hibernation site, a hedgehog’s territory must be safe from hazards. They have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing, making them vulnerable to sudden dangers. A suitable territory is one that is free from steep-sided ponds they can’t escape from, uncovered drains they might fall into, and piles of garden waste that might be burned without being checked first. A safe environment allows them to focus on the vital tasks of foraging and nesting before the first frosts arrive.

With a clear picture of what hedgehogs need to survive, we can begin to transform our gardens from potential danger zones into supportive habitats.

How to prepare your garden for hedgehogs

Establishing hedgehog highways

The single most effective action you can take is to ensure hedgehogs can move freely between gardens. A ‘hedgehog highway’ is simply a gap in your fence or wall, allowing them to roam. A hole measuring 13cm by 13cm is the perfect size: big enough for any hedgehog, but too small for most pets. If you have wooden fences, you can cut a hole at the bottom. For concrete gravel boards, you can carefully dig a channel underneath. Discussing this with your neighbours can create a whole network of connected gardens, vastly increasing the territory available to your local hedgehog population.

Conducting a garden safety audit

Before winter sets in, take a walk around your garden and look for potential hazards from a hedgehog’s perspective. Simple modifications can save lives. Key areas to check include:

Ponds and pools: Ensure there is a gentle slope or a ramp to allow a hedgehog to climb out if it falls in. A plank of wood covered with chicken wire for grip works well.
Netting: Store any garden netting, like fruit nets or football goals, well off the ground as hedgehogs can easily become entangled.
Drains and holes: Cover any open drains or deep holes with a rigid grille or plate.
Chemicals: Stop using slug pellets and other pesticides. Opt for natural alternatives like beer traps or encouraging natural predators.

A mindful approach to autumn tidying

Resist the urge to have a perfectly pristine garden over winter. A bit of wildness is a huge benefit to hedgehogs. Piles of leaves, logs, and overgrown corners provide both natural food sources and potential nesting sites. When clearing leaves or compost, do so gently and carefully in case a hedgehog is already sheltering there. The most critical warning concerns bonfires. Always check a bonfire pile for sleeping hedgehogs before lighting it. The safest method is to dismantle the pile and rebuild it just before you set it alight, ensuring no animal has made a home inside.

Once you have made your garden a safe and accessible haven, the next step is to provide a five-star accommodation for their winter sleep.

Creating a safe and comfortable shelter

Building your own hedgehog house

A purpose-built hibernaculum offers the best protection from predators and the elements. Building one can be a simple and rewarding project. Use untreated, sturdy wood to construct a box approximately 30cm high and 40cm wide, with an internal tunnel at the entrance to deter predators like cats or foxes. The roof should be sloped and covered with roofing felt to keep it waterproof. Ensure there are some small air holes for ventilation. Place the finished house in a quiet, sheltered part of your garden, preferably under a hedge or behind a shed, with the entrance facing away from the prevailing wind.

Choosing a commercial hedgehog home

If DIY is not for you, there are many excellent hedgehog houses available to buy. When choosing one, look for features that prioritise safety and durability. A good hedgehog house should be:

Made from durable, untreated timber or a recycled plastic composite like Ecoplate.
Substantial and heavy enough that it cannot be easily knocked over by other animals.
Equipped with a predator-proof entrance tunnel.
Designed with a removable roof to allow for easy cleaning, but only once you are certain it is empty in late spring.

The importance of bedding and placement

Whether you build or buy, the final touches are crucial. Loosely fill the box with a mix of natural, dry materials. Medium-sized leaves, hay, or torn-up newspaper are ideal bedding choices. Avoid straw, as it can absorb moisture and become mouldy, and never use towels or blankets, as their threads can get caught in the hedgehog’s spines. Once the house is filled, leave a pile of extra bedding materials nearby. A prospecting hedgehog will often customise its nest, pulling in more leaves to create the perfect insulated sphere for its long sleep.

With a safe shelter in place, providing the right kind of sustenance before and, if necessary, during winter is the final piece of the puzzle.

Plants and food suited for hedgehogs

Gardening for invertebrates

The best way to feed a hedgehog is to create a garden that is teeming with their natural food. A wildlife-friendly garden supports a healthy ecosystem, providing a year-round larder for insectivores. Focus on planting a variety of native species that attract beetles, caterpillars, and other insects. Good choices include wildflowers like wild marjoram, foxgloves, and yarrow. Leaving a patch of lawn to grow long and creating a log pile will also provide a fantastic habitat for the creepy-crawlies that hedgehogs love to eat. This approach not only helps hedgehogs but also benefits birds, bees, and other vital pollinators.

Guidance on supplementary feeding

While a natural diet is best, providing supplementary food can be a lifesaver, especially for underweight hedgehogs trying to reach their hibernation weight in late autumn. It’s also helpful if a hedgehog wakes during a mild winter spell when natural food is scarce. However, it is vital to provide the right things. A shallow dish of food and another of fresh water, put out at dusk, is ideal.

What to Offer	What to AVOID
Meaty cat or dog food (not fish-based)	Milk and all dairy products
Crushed, unsalted peanuts	Bread
Specialist hedgehog food	Mealworms (in large quantities)
Cooked, unseasoned minced meat	Grapes and raisins

A note on mealworms: while hedgehogs love them, they are very high in phosphorus and low in calcium, which can lead to metabolic bone disease. They should only be given as an occasional treat, not as a staple food.

The non-negotiable need for water

Water is essential for all wildlife, and hedgehogs are no exception. A shallow bowl of fresh water can be more important than food, particularly during dry spells. This is crucial all year round, not just in winter. Ensure the bowl is cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease, and keep it topped up, as a thirsty hedgehog may be forced to travel further and risk crossing roads in search of a drink.

With your garden fully prepared, knowing how to observe your visitors and when to step in is the final skill needed to be a true hedgehog champion.

How to monitor and protect hedgehogs in winter

Identifying signs of hedgehog presence

Knowing if your efforts are paying off is part of the joy of helping wildlife. You may not always see your spiny guests, but they leave clues. Look for small, dark, pellet-like droppings, often with shiny insect parts visible. You can also create a simple footprint trap by leaving a shallow tray of sand or non-toxic paint with a tasty bait in the middle to capture their distinctive tracks. For a clearer view, a motion-activated wildlife camera is an excellent, non-intrusive way to watch their nocturnal activities and monitor their health from a distance.

Knowing when to seek help

Observing from afar is usually the best policy, but sometimes intervention is necessary. A hedgehog seen out in the open during daylight in winter is almost always in trouble. They may be sick, injured, or underweight and unable to hibernate properly. Under no circumstances should you ignore a hedgehog in this situation. If you find one, gently pick it up using gardening gloves, place it in a high-sided cardboard box with a warm, towel-wrapped hot water bottle, and provide some water. Then, you must contact your local hedgehog rescue or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society immediately for expert advice. Do not attempt to care for it yourself without guidance.

Ongoing vigilance and care

Even with the best preparations, winter gardens can still hold dangers. Remain vigilant throughout the season. Be careful when turning compost heaps or clearing garden clutter. Ensure pond ramps remain in place and check that hedgehog highway holes have not become blocked. By remaining mindful of their presence, you can ensure your garden stays a safe and supportive environment right through until they emerge again in the spring.

By taking these considered steps, from creating access and shelter to providing appropriate food and water, garden owners can collectively form a vital network of safe havens. These actions, though small on an individual scale, are instrumental in turning the tide for this beloved but beleaguered species, ensuring the rustle in the undergrowth continues for generations to come.