First National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy launched to tackle declining populations

In a groundbreaking move for wildlife conservation, the UK's first-ever National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy has been launched by two leading charities, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). The strategy aims to combat the alarming decline of hedgehog populations, particularly in rural areas where numbers have dropped by 30-75% since 2000.

The strategy, developed in response to findings from the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, addresses the pressing need to protect this iconic species. More than 30 organisations, including conservation groups, academics, and sectors like farming and transport, collaborated to create this comprehensive plan. It is designed to guide key stakeholders, such as local councils, land managers, and conservation NGOs, in taking effective action to halt the decline of hedgehogs across both rural and urban areas.

Nida Al-Fulaij, co-author of the strategy and CEO of PTES, spoke about the importance of a united approach. “By identifying the key threats hedgehogs face and how they are interconnected, we can better understand the actions needed to address them. The strategy acts as a framework for collaboration between policymakers, conservationists, and communities.”

Key threats identified include habitat fragmentation and the reduction of natural prey due to environmental changes. The strategy will evolve over time as new research emerges and will serve as a reference point for all hedgehog conservation efforts. It also aligns with the recently launched National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme, which collects crucial data on population changes.

Fay Vass, CEO of BHPS, said, “This strategy is a pivotal moment for hedgehog conservation. We hope it will not only strengthen ongoing efforts but also encourage industries such as transport, housing, and farming to scale up their work with hedgehogs in mind.”

Encouragingly, while rural populations have seen sharp declines, the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report revealed that urban populations may be stabilising, thanks in part to public efforts such as the Hedgehog Street campaign. Grace Johnson, co-author of the strategy and Hedgehog Officer for Hedgehog Street, noted that continued collaboration is essential to replicate this success in rural areas.

The strategy outlines several ways that the public can help hedgehogs, particularly as they prepare for hibernation in the autumn. Homeowners are encouraged to create "Hedgehog Highways" by making small holes in fences to allow hedgehogs to move between gardens, and to create wildlife-friendly spaces with water, leaf piles, and shelters. People are also urged to check for hedgehogs before lighting bonfires or using garden tools.

For those without gardens, support can come in the form of advocating for hedgehog-friendly public green spaces or raising awareness through social media and local discussions. Volunteering as a “spotter” for the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme is another way to contribute.

The full National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy can be found at www.hedgehogstreet.org/conservation-strategy, with more information on how to help hedgehogs available on the Hedgehog Street website.

This collaborative effort signals a major step forward in hedgehog conservation, with hopes that by 2034, hedgehogs will once again be a common sight in both the countryside and urban areas of Britain.