UK households urged to help hedgehogs hibernate this autumn
Charlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor
05:00, 21 Oct 2025
Ecologists are urging households to help hedgehogs(Image: Getty)
Families are being urged to help hedgehogs build vital fat reserves and provide a safe space for them this autumn before hibernation. Ecologists at Arbtech.co.uk have shared six simple ways that households can help to protect this much-loved, vulnerable species.
There are estimated to be fewer than a million hedgehogs in the UK today – a dramatic decline from the 30 million that existed in the 1950s. A recent survey conducted by Arbtech found 48% of Brits have not seen a hedgehog in the wild within the last five years, while in Scotland, it’s one in four.
Hedgehogs are regarded as a vulnerable species, encountering challenges such as habitat destruction, vehicle collisions, and pesticide exposure. Recent reports, however, do indicate some positive signs of recovery in urban populations. Although, rural numbers are still experiencing a significant decline.
With autumn underway and winter looms, hedgehogs will be spending the coming weeks increasing their food intake and building themselves a nest. Once the hibernation period arrives it can be extremely tough.
The mammals will find themselves vulnerable to freezing, predators, and even starvation if they were unable to build up enough fat reserves. Small, simple actions – from providing supplementary food to creating a safe feeding space in the form of a ‘hedgehog cafe’ – can go a long way in helping hedgehogs to survive.
Hibernation is a dangerous time for hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are mainly active at night, which means they tend to sleep during the day. This nocturnal behavior allows them to steer clear of predators and harsh temperatures. If you happen to spot a hedgehog during daylight hours, it might indicate that the animal is unwell or injured. However, it could also be a pregnant or nursing female, or simply a hungry hedgehog out for a quick foraging trip.
Leo Plevin from Arbtech said: “Hedgehogs are disappearing before our own eyes, but the good news is that families can make a real difference. Small things like leaving out a bowl of water, creating a gap in your fence, or even just leaving a pile of leaves in your garden can all help hedgehogs to thrive.
“Hibernation is a dangerous time for hedgehogs, but the smallest helping hand could ensure thousands make it through to spring.” Below is a list of six simple ways you can help hedgehogs this autumn.
Once the hibernation period arrives it can be extremely tough for the animals1. Make your garden hedgehog-friendly
Leaving small gaps in your fence, that are large enough for a hedgehog to fit through, can help them to roam freely in search of food. And avoid the use of items like slug pellets, pesticides and other chemicals that can potentially poison hedgehogs if ingested.
2. Provide shelter for hibernation
Hedgehogs need a safe, sheltered space to hibernate in order to survive the cold, winter months and protect their vital body heat. Provide them with materials like piles of leaves and logs so they can build their nests, or even a purpose-built hedgehog house. Shelter also encourages them to stay close, so they can easily find food.
3. Create a safe feeding space
Feeding stations are a great way for hedgehogs to safely access food and water away from dogs, cats, and traffic. To create a ‘hedgehog cafe’, get a sturdy wooden or plastic box with a removable lid, and create a hedgehog-sized hole at the base of one of the sides. Make sure it’s big enough for a hedgehog to fit inside, along with food and water bowls.
Never feed bread as it offers little nutritional value4. Provide supplementary food
The best options are plain kitten biscuits or meat-based wet dog or cat food. Specialist hedgehog food can be bought commercially too, but it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t regulated and the quality can vary. Never feed bread as it offers little nutritional value, and always make sure to remove any food that isn’t eaten overnight and replace it with fresh offerings the next evening.
5. Offer fresh water
Providing shallow bowls of fresh water can be an important source of water for hedgehogs, who would typically get water from natural sources such as dew on plants, puddles or wildlife ponds. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so never provide milk as it can make them ill.
6. Check for illness or injury
If you come across a hedgehog that appears ill or injured in any way, it should be brought into care and you can contact local rescue groups for assistance. Some of the signs that may indicate a hedgehog is ill includes it seeming lethargic, being out during the day, heavily breathing, and wobbling.
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