Hedgehogs are beginning to emerge from hibernation and will soon be on the lookout for food and matesPhoebe Jobling Property Writer and Angela Patrone Senior Lifestyle Reporter
11:57, 12 Mar 2026
You could be helping out wildlife by making holes in your fence(Image: Getty Images)
Households in the UK who have gardens are being told to make holes in their fences before spring arrives. Between mid-March and early April, hedgehogs typically come out from hibernation as temperatures rise and food becomes more available.
These beloved and highly endangered British species are often very hungry and may need to water and food. Homeowners are now being encouraged by wildlife experts to create holes at the bottom of their fences to help hedgehogs access your garden.
Whilst drilling holes in your fence might not be the most appealing look, wildlife specialists say that hedgehogs will significantly benefit from it. Known as a hedgehog highway, these openings offer a safe passage for hedgehogs to reach food and shelter, protecting them from harm.
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Hedgehog highways are made up of a network of gaps and holes that run through hedges and fences, creating safe corridors for hedgehogs to navigate through, reports the Express.
As hedgehogs risk being injured on roads, these highways offer a protected route for them to travel without any risk.
Gardeners are being urged to make holes in fences to help hedgehogs(Image: Getty Images)
“Hedgehogs like to roam large distances to find food, mates, and nesting sites,” said Anton Baskerville, wildlife expert at Woodlands.co.uk.
“In urban environments, fences, walls, and other barriers can limit their movement, making it harder for them to meet these basic needs.
“A hedgehog highway enables them to safely travel between gardens and other habitats, greatly improving their chances of survival and reproduction.”
Homeowners are being told to drill holes in their fences (Image: Getty Images)
In the UK, hedgehogs are recognised as being at risk of extinction. Their population has declined significantly, especially in rural areas, due to habitat loss, road casualties, and a reduction in available food sources.
The brilliant thing about creating a hedgehog highway is that you don’t need to remove a substantial section of your hedge or fence.
Specialists at the leading environmental consultancy group Thomson Environmental Consultants recommended: “Creating a CD-case-sized gap in garden fences allows hedgehogs to move freely between gardens.
“By coordinating with your neighbours, you can establish a connected network of gardens and mark gaps to raise awareness.”
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