How to help a hedgehog

Found a sick or injured hedgehog? Here's what to do

Hedgehogs are one of the UK's favourite mammals

The sight of one snuffling through a garden on a summer's evening is a magical experience. But sadly, our hedgehogs are struggling.

In 2022, a report on Britain's hedgehogs revealed they've declined by between 30-75% since 2000. Other evidence indicates that their numbers have been falling for much longer than this.

Combined, our gardens in the UK provide a space for wildlife larger than all our National Nature Reserves, so by gardening in a wildlife-friendly way, we can help our spiky companions move around safely and find a home.

How to attract a hedgehog to your garden

Free download: Help a Hedgehog guide (PDF)

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How to build a hedgehog home

By providing safe places for hedgehogs to live, you’re much more likely to see these prickly creatures in your garden.

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What to feed hedgehogs and badgers

Putting out a bit of food can help see mammals like hedgehogs through colder spells.

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How to create a hedgehog hole

Help hedgehogs get around by making holes and access points in fences and barriers to link up the gardens in your neighbourhood.

Hedgehog in autumn leaves. copyright jon hawkins - surrey hill photography

Hedgehog © Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hill Photography

Species

Hedgehog

Learn more about hedgehogs.

If you've seen a hedgehog in Cumbria please report your hedgehog sighting

We're concerned about the decline of hedgehogs and would like to know if you've seen a hedgehog in Cumbria.

We do not take in injured animals; here's what to do next to help a hedgehog in need of care. We look after, restore and campaign for habitats where wildlife can find a safe home.