Hedgehogs have long held a special place in the public’s hearts – and gardens! But despite their iconic status, hedgehog populations have been rapidly declining. In fact, data from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) shows that over the past 20 years, hedgehog numbers have plummeted by more than 50% in rural areas and by up to 30% in towns and cities.
The good news? Helping hedgehogs doesn’t have to be complicated. According to experts at Vale Wildlife Hospital, it can be as easy as ABC—starting with their diet.
A – Add Extra-Nutritious Feed
With natural insect numbers dwindling, especially in towns and cities, many hedgehogs struggle to find enough food to stay healthy – particularly in autumn and winter. Leaving out a high-quality, supplementary food year-round can give them the energy and nutrients they need to survive and thrive.
“People often don’t realise just how poor the natural food availability has become,” says Caroline Gould of Vale Wildlife Hospital. “By putting out something as simple as a bowl of specially formulated hedgehog food, like Vale’s Hedgehog Food, you can make a real difference to their health and chances of survival.”
Mealworms, while popular, are not suitable as a main food source due to their poor calcium-phosphorus balance. In contrast, nutritionally balanced hedgehog food offers the protein, fats, and essential vitamins that hedgehogs truly need.
B – Be Mindful: Stress Can Kill
Hedgehogs are sensitive creatures, and unnecessary handling or disturbance can cause serious stress – which in turn can compromise their immune system and even be fatal. Unless a hedgehog is clearly in distress (for example, out during the day, injured, or orphaned), it’s best to leave it be and observe from a distance.
“It’s so tempting to try to help by picking them up,” says Caroline, “but the kindest thing you can often do is give them space. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to contact a wildlife rescue centre like ours for advice.”
Vale Wildlife Hospital offers expert guidance on when and how to intervene – and when it’s better to step back. Learn more here [LINK]
C – Create a Hedgehog Haven
Even a small area of your garden set aside for hedgehogs can go a long way. Simple additions like a pile of logs, leaves or a hedgehog house can provide safe places for them to shelter, forage and hibernate.
“Gardens can be absolute lifelines for hedgehogs,” says Caroline. “You don’t need acres of land – just a quiet corner where they can feel safe and find food can make your garden a mini sanctuary.”
Avoid using slug pellets or pesticides, and make sure there’s access in and out of your garden – like a small gap at the bottom of fences – to allow hedgehogs to roam freely.
A Simple Formula for Saving a Species
Helping hedgehogs doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By offering nutritious supplementary food, avoiding unnecessary interference, and dedicating a safe space in your garden, you can make a lasting impact.
Vale’s™ Hedgehog Food has been specially developed by wildlife experts to provide the ideal nutritional balance for hedgehogs – rich in protein, low in harmful ingredients like mealworms, and packed with the vitamins and minerals these animals need to stay healthy. Whether you’re supporting hedgehogs through hibernation or helping juveniles build strength, it’s the best way to give them a real chance at survival.
As Caroline puts it:
“Feeding hedgehogs the right food can genuinely change their lives. That’s why we created Vale’s Hedgehog Food—to give them the best possible support, right from people’s back gardens.”
