Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are disappearing across Britain and Europe, and we believe the situation is similar here in Northern Ireland. We have all noticed how little we see them these days. Sadly, for some of us, the only time we will ever see a hedgehog is following a collision with traffic.

For every 30 hedgehogs in the UK in 1950, there is only 1 left in 2020.

As well as increased road traffic, our prickly friends are under pressure from habitat loss, agricultural intensification, land development and slug pellet use.

But there is hope. A recent UK report indicates that the decline in our towns and cities may be slowing, suggesting the actions that people are taking in their own neighbourhoods could be making a real difference.

This makes it even more important that we start taking action here in Northern Ireland before it’s too late. Giving hedgehogs space to thrive, as well as building a better picture of their numbers here in Northern Ireland, is essential. 
 

Hedgehogs are now listed as "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List; until recently, they were listed as "Least Concern". In Britain, they are classed as Vulnerable to Extinction. There have been huge declines in Britain and Europe and it is estimated that there is a similar situation in Ireland, although we lack sufficient data. 

Hedgehogs face many pressures and threats. Habitat loss from agricultural intensification and development results in the loss of hedgerows, wild spaces and suitable gardens. They are also under threat from road development and increased traffic. Slug pellet use in gardens has fatal consequences for hedgehogs, along with garden ponds which can cause drowning. 

Protected under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985.

One of the key challenges we face in Northern Ireland is a lack of data and information on the status of hedgehogs. Without this, it is difficult to fully understand how populations are changing or where conservation efforts are most needed.

Since 2021, we have been working to improve baseline knowledge through the Irish Hedgehog Survey, in collaboration with University of Galway. This work is helping to build a clearer picture of hedgehog distribution across the island of Ireland.

We also support the public with practical information, advice and guidance on how to help hedgehogs thrive in gardens and local neighbourhoods, from creating safe passage between gardens to creating wildlife-friendly habitats.

More recently, we are undertaking Northern Ireland’s first-ever GPS hedgehog tracking project, which is helping us uncover how hedgehogs move through urban landscapes at night, where they travel, and the challenges they face. This will provide vital local evidence to strengthen conservation action.

By working together, we can build a better picture of their numbers in Northern Ireland and, in turn, can help secure their future.

Report your hedgehog sightings  

If you've seen a hedgehog snuffling about your garden or sadly lying dead on the roadside, we want to hear about it.  This information will help us monitor hedgehogs across Northern Ireland. 

Submit your hedgehog sightings 

Gardens are an important habitat for hedgehogs, as adults can travel 1–2km each night across home ranges of around 10–20 hectares in search of food and mates — covering entire housing estates and neighbourhoods. By gardening in a wildlife-friendly way, we can help these spiky visitors move safely between gardens and find places to shelter, feed and raise their young.

Find out more about gardening for hedgehogs 

Get your FREE wildlife gardening starter pack 

Unfortunately, as a habitat conservation charity, we do not offer services for the care and rehabilitation of injured wildlife. Please visit our Contact Us page for a list of organisations and volunteers that may be able to help

Pumpkins can be great for a range of wildlife such as squirrels and birds, but unfortunately not for hedgehogs! Eating pumpkin gives them diarrhoea which can be dangerous at this time of year when they are trying to put on weight before hibernating.

You can help by placing your pumpkins high up off the ground so wildlife can still access them, but they're out of reach of hedgehogs. Or you could dry out the seeds to add to your bird table.