British Hedgehog

The British hedgehog is a small, nocturnal mammal covered in a coat of sharp spines and soft fur on its underside. With a rounded body and keen sense of smell, it can live up to seven years in the wild, though most survive far less due to traffic, predators, and loss of habitat.

Hedgehogs spend their nights foraging in gardens, fields, and woodlands, feeding mainly on insects, worms, beetles, and grubs. They have long legs and can travel large distances in search of food. To endure winter, they enter hibernation, slowing their heartbeat and breathing while sheltering in nests of leaves and grass. This adaptation is vital for surviving cold months when prey is scarce.

However, populations are in steep decline across the UK. Habitat fragmentation, pesticides, and busy roads have reduced their numbers dramatically and left them struggling to find safe nesting and feeding areas.

Conservation efforts now encourage wildlife-friendly gardens, hedgehog highways, and awareness campaigns to support the species. Without such measures, the much-loved hedgehog, a familiar figure in British culture, could vanish from many parts of the country where it once thrived.

#BeWild

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Love hedgehogs? Us too. But they're in trouble and currently have an VULNERABLE status.

Funds are urgently required to save some of the most beautiful creatures on earth.

Do something amazing today and purchase the BRITISH HEDGEHOG pin badge where the funds raised will support the delivery of hedgehog education packs so school children across the UK can learn about what hedgehogs need to thrive in the wild!

Thank you!

foreverwild proudly supports...



(Image credits to BHPS/Jan Weston)