Hedgehog Heroes
An estimated 30% of hedgehogs have disappeared over the past decade. There are now fewer than one million left.
Once a common sight in our gardens, this spiny species is now declining rapidly across the UK. The reasons for the declines are not clear, but habitat loss and urban development – particularly the loss of hedgerows, habitat fragmentation and the intensification of agriculture – is to blame. Roads, garden pest control – including slug pellets – and the increasing use of impenetrable garden fencing is certainly contributing to the decline of our urban hedgehogs.
Once a common sight in our gardens, this spiny species is now declining rapidly across the UK. The reasons for the declines are not clear, but habitat loss and urban development – particularly the loss of hedgerows, habitat fragmentation and the intensification of agriculture – is to blame. Roads, garden pest control – including slug pellets – and the increasing use of impenetrable garden fencing is certainly contributing to the decline of our urban hedgehogs.