Hedgehogs Need Our Help!
Hedgehog numbers have decreased dramatically in recent years and are now listed as “vulnerable” in Britain’s Red List of mammals. According to the latest State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report, numbers of hedgehogs have fallen by up to 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas since the millennium.
There is no single cause of this decline. But scientists believe problems include habitat loss, the indiscriminate use of pesticides, and intensive farming. There are now estimated to be less than a million hedgehogs left in the UK. Are we going to allow these much-loved characters to become extinct on our watch?
What are our Project Aims?
To monitor local population numbers by collecting records of sightings in Tideswell and the surrounding area.
To encourage our current hedgehog population to thrive by sharing information with local residents on feeding and water provision, nesting and ‘wild areas’ in gardens, dangers, first aid, and ongoing projects such as Hedgehog Highways.
Have you seen a hedgehog this year?
Please send any sightings or evidence of hedgehogs in Tideswell and our surrounding communities to TDEG’s new Hedgehog Champion, Jane. Jane is a local resident and member of TDEG with a passion for these friendly mammals.
Contact Jane by email at hedgehogs@tdeg.org.uk .
Jane would like to hear about sightings either in your garden, on local roads and paths, or anywhere in the local area. Sightings could be of living or deceased animals; signs such as poo, footprints, or hogs hibernating in nests; or evidence of feeding and sounds (mainly during the mating season). Please provide as much information as you can in your email, including the site location and the time of your sighting. Jane will be interested in all the details.
To see our current map of all our hedgehog sightings in 2025 – click here.
How can we help our hedgehogs?
There are many ways you can help hedgehogs – perhaps even attract some into your own garden or land:
- Leave ‘wild areas’ in the garden, for example leaf and log piles, and natural materials that can be used for nesting or hiding.
- Hedgehogs love thick scrub and hedgerows. So plant hedges or shrubs if possible, particularly connecting areas so the hogs can use the cover to travel and roam.
- Provide a bowl of fresh clean water at ground level, available all year round.
- Most of us know that hedgehogs must not be fed milk. But you can provide cat or dog meat or biscuits using a feeding station. Special hedgehog food is also available from many online stores. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society explain how to make your own simple feeding station here.
- Create Hedgehog Highways to enable easier movement between gardens. A 13x13cm hole at the bottom of a fence or wall is ideal. If you cannot provide a hole, try to provide some kind of steps or ramp to enable the hogs to climb (they are surprisingly good climbers!).
TDEG member, Nicky, has shared her success in attracting six hogs to her garden. You can read more here.
What dangers do hedgehogs face?
Our hedgehogs face many dangers as they share their lives with us. These are just some which you can help to prevent:
- Ponds – hogs can drown in a garden pond, but a ramp or bricks in the pond can help them escape.
- Netting – getting tangled in sports nets which haven’t been put away correctly.
- Bonfires – often used for hibernation and nests, bonfires should always be checked before lighting.
- Strimmers and robotic mowers can cause horrible, life-threatening injuries or death.. Always check grassland before using.
- Slug pellets can poison hedgehogs
- Elastic bands – can strangle hogs or wrap around their body. Please dispose of properly.
- Uncovered drains can be death traps for hedgehogs.
- Never leave milk out for hedgehogs. They are lactose intolerant.
If a hedgehog is seen outside during the day, it means they are probably sick or injured. Using thick gloves, put it in a box somewhere quiet, and contact a vet or rescue centre. In our area, you can contact –
High Peak Hedgehog Rescue – Annemarie on 0786 1642371 or Dani on 0773 6588704.
or Ashford Animal Rescue – Kirsty 07853 987378
Both these centres are run by volunteers, and any donations of food or cash are always appreciated.
There is a lot of information about hedgehogs online. Some useful sources include:
We want to work together to share information and help our hedgehogs to survive and thrive. Do get in touch with our Hedgehog Champion, Jane, if you have any queries or you would like more information.
Email Jane at hedgehogs@tdeg.org.uk
Or check out our Tideswell & District Hedgehog Project Facebook page.
Latest News and Updates
Our Hedgehog Sightings Map is now Live!
– Have you seen a hedgehog this year? Or have you seen any signs of hedgehogs? Our new hedgehog sightings map is now live. You
Going Wild – Nicky’s Hedgehog Heaven
– Hedgehog snuffling in a garden (British Hedgehog Preservation Society) – TDEG member, Nicky, shares her success in encouraging hedgehogs to her local garden. Just
