Hedgehogs, one of the UK’s most iconic and beloved wild animals, are facing a dramatic decline in population. In the 1950s, the hedgehog population in the UK was estimated to be around 30 million. Today, less than one million hedgehogs remain, making these spiny mammals a species of concern. The North East of England, with its mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, has seen similar challenges in maintaining its hedgehog population. If immediate action isn’t taken, hedgehogs could become increasingly rare. However, with some small but meaningful steps, we can reverse this trend and help boost hedgehog numbers in the region.
Why Are Hedgehogs in Decline?
The decline in hedgehog numbers is linked to a combination of factors, most of which are driven by human activity. Understanding these causes is crucial if we want to reverse the decline and create an environment where hedgehogs can thrive again, particularly in areas like the North East of England.
1. Loss of Habitat Due to Urbanization
Urban development and infrastructure growth are some of the biggest reasons for the decline in hedgehog populations. As towns and cities expand, the natural habitats of hedgehogs shrink and fragment. In the North East of England, urban areas such as Newcastle, Gateshead, and Sunderland have expanded significantly, leading to the destruction of hedgerows, meadows, and woodland edges that hedgehogs rely on for food and shelter. Hedgehogs need connected green spaces to roam, as they typically travel up to 2 kilometers a night to forage for food.
2. Modern Agricultural Practices
In rural areas, changes in farming practices have also played a role in hedgehog decline. Hedgerows, which once lined most fields, have been removed to make way for larger agricultural plots. These hedgerows are critical for hedgehogs as they provide both food sources and shelter. Intensive farming methods, such as the widespread use of monocultures, have also reduced the diversity of insects that hedgehogs feed on. The North East’s rich agricultural landscape, particularly in areas like Northumberland and County Durham, is not immune to these changes, further limiting suitable habitats for hedgehogs.
3. The Impact of Pesticides
The use of pesticides, especially slug pellets, is another significant threat to hedgehogs. Slugs and insects, which form a large part of the hedgehog’s diet, are often killed by pesticides, leaving hedgehogs with less to eat. Worse still, if hedgehogs consume poisoned slugs or other contaminated prey, they can fall seriously ill or even die. In urban gardens and farmlands across the North East, reducing pesticide use could have a direct positive impact on hedgehog survival.
4. Road Traffic
Roads present a deadly hazard to hedgehogs. As nocturnal animals, hedgehogs are most active at night when traffic levels are lower, but this doesn’t protect them from road deaths. Hedgehogs are slow-moving and poorly adapted to avoiding fast-moving vehicles. In areas like Newcastle, Durham, and other busy parts of the North East, road traffic is a significant cause of hedgehog fatalities. Hedgehogs crossing roads in search of food or mates are particularly vulnerable in these regions.
5. Barriers in Gardens
Garden fences and walls, which are common in suburban and urban areas, present a lesser-known obstacle to hedgehogs. Hedgehogs need to move freely between gardens and other green spaces to access enough food and shelter. However, high, impenetrable garden walls and fences can trap them in small spaces where resources are limited. Suburban areas in the North East, such as Jesmond, Tynemouth, and Hexham, could help hedgehogs by removing or modifying garden barriers to allow easier movement between green spaces.
6. Predators and Competition
In some parts of the UK, rising badger populations have put pressure on hedgehogs. Badgers are natural predators of hedgehogs, and in areas where they are abundant, hedgehog numbers tend to decline. While this isn’t a primary concern in urbanized areas of the North East, it can be a factor in more rural settings where badger populations are thriving. Additionally, competition for food in these areas can further reduce hedgehog survival rates.
How Can the North East of England Help Save Hedgehogs?
While hedgehogs face numerous challenges, there are several steps that people in the North East can take to help restore hedgehog populations. Whether you live in an urban environment, a suburban neighborhood, or a rural village, you can contribute to the conservation of these iconic creatures. Below are actionable steps that can make a real difference in hedgehog conservation across the region.
1. Create Hedgehog Highways
One of the most effective and simplest ways to help hedgehogs is by creating “hedgehog highways.” Hedgehogs travel great distances at night in search of food and mates, and garden walls and fences often obstruct their paths. By cutting small holes—about 13 cm wide—at the base of fences, you can allow hedgehogs to move between gardens and other green spaces. In areas like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, where gardens are often separated by solid fences, creating hedgehog highways can significantly improve hedgehog mobility and access to food.
2. Make Gardens More Wildlife-Friendly
Making your garden more hedgehog-friendly is another important way to support hedgehogs. Leave areas of your garden wild with log piles, leaf litter, or compost heaps, which attract insects that hedgehogs feed on. By doing so, you provide them with both food and shelter. In addition, avoid using pesticides and slug pellets that can poison hedgehogs. In urban and suburban areas across the North East, particularly in places like Jesmond and Whitley Bay, residents can transform their gardens into mini wildlife sanctuaries for hedgehogs and other species.
3. Provide Shelter for Hedgehogs
Providing shelter is a great way to help hedgehogs, especially during the hibernation season. Hedgehog houses are simple wooden structures that can be placed in quiet corners of gardens, providing hedgehogs with a safe place to sleep, hibernate, and nest. These shelters can make a huge difference for hedgehogs in regions like Northumberland, where gardens and green spaces can offer ideal habitats for nesting.
4. Offer Food and Water
Hedgehogs are always on the lookout for food, and leaving out a little extra can help sustain them, especially during dry spells or when food is scarce. Wet cat or dog food (not fish-based) or specially made hedgehog food can be a great supplement to their diet. Additionally, leaving a shallow dish of water can provide much-needed hydration. However, it is essential to avoid feeding hedgehogs bread and milk, which can make them ill.
5. Be Mindful When Gardening
Before strimming, mowing, or using other garden tools, always check areas like long grass, leaf piles, and under bushes for hedgehogs. These animals often nest in such places and are at risk of serious injury from garden equipment. In regions like Tyne Valley and County Durham, where gardens and smallholdings are abundant, this simple action can save many hedgehogs from harm.
6. Support Local Conservation Efforts
Several conservation projects across the UK, including in the North East, are dedicated to saving hedgehogs. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, for example, works to raise awareness about hedgehog conservation. Hedgehog Street is another initiative encouraging local communities to take action by creating hedgehog-friendly gardens and connecting green spaces. By supporting these efforts through donations, volunteering, or even spreading the word, you can help ensure that hedgehog populations recover.
7. Help Hedgehogs Cross Roads Safely
In areas where roads pose a major threat to hedgehogs, like Newcastle and Darlington, drivers can help by being more vigilant, particularly during the evenings when hedgehogs are most active. Installing “Hedgehog Crossing” signs in high-risk areas is another effective way to raise awareness among drivers. Local councils in the North East can play a key role in this effort by identifying areas with high levels of hedgehog roadkill and introducing safety measures to protect them.
The North East’s Role in Hedgehog Conservation
The North East of England is home to a diverse range of landscapes—from urban areas to rural farmlands—and each of these environments presents both opportunities and challenges for hedgehogs. In cities like Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland, urban gardens and parks can be transformed into hedgehog havens with simple changes, such as adding hedgehog highways and reducing pesticide use. Suburban areas, like South Shields and Durham, can also help by making gardens wildlife-friendly and removing barriers that prevent hedgehog movement.
In rural areas, particularly in Northumberland and County Durham, farmers and landowners can make a significant impact by preserving hedgerows, reducing pesticide use, and creating wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats. With a concerted effort from local communities, councils, and conservation groups, the North East can become a beacon of hedgehog conservation in the UK.
Conclusion
The decline of hedgehogs in the UK, including in the North East, is a pressing issue that requires urgent action. However, the solutions are within reach. By making small but impactful changes in our gardens, reducing pesticide use, and supporting local conservation efforts, we can help restore hedgehog populations and ensure their survival for future generations.