I've found an injured hedgehog can I bring it to you?

We are not a hedgehog rescue. Therefore, we do not have the facilities to treat and care for hedgehogs. Please take the injured hedgehog to your local veterinary practice, Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead or Merton Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation.

I've just seen a hedgehog. Should I report the sighting somewhere? 

All hedgehog sightings should be reported, even if you see a dead hedgehog. This is because it aids conservation efforts and shows where hedgehogs are present. There are several places you can report your sightings. We recommend the Big Hedgehog Map or Greenspace Information for Greater London (GIGL). For sick and dead hedgehogs, you can also report them to the Garden Wildlife Health.

If you see a hedgehog out in the day, it may need help. Please check out the British Hedgehog Preservation Society's first aid advice.

Where can I learn more about Hedgehogs? 

There are loads of places to learn about hedgehogs, from books to websites. Our favourite place to learn and get advice is Hedgehog Street.

If I create a hedgehog hole, will my dog be able to get out and/or foxes be able to get in? 

Most dogs and foxes will not be able to fit through the hole, as it is only 13cm by 13cm (CD size). Foxes will likely jump over the fence to get in.

Why is your project focused on hedgehogs ? 

Answer from our project leader, Emma : I have always loved animals and this is what led me to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. My love for British Wildlife sparked in 2020 when I volunteered for a local wildlife hospital. This is when Hedgehogs became one of my favourite animals. Later in the year, hedgehogs were listed as 'vulnerable to extinction' on the first official Red List for British Mammals. This made me want to do all I could to help hedgehogs. I volunteered with the Royal Parks Hedgehog Survey in 2021 and this is when I learnt about the impact of hedgehog conservation work. The following year I volunteered with ZSL London Hogwatch to help as a research assistant and I organised the first Hedgehog Survey with the Friends of Mitcham Common. 

Hedgehogs are an indicator species, meaning their population can indicate the health of the environment. When hedgehogs are thriving, the local environment is likely healthy. If hedgehog numbers decline, it could indicate habitat loss, a shortage of food, or other environmental issues. Hedgehogs are also one of the UKs best-loved species ( I am sure their cute appearance is a factor in this), so if we can get more people helping hedgehogs it will benefit the wider environment and wildlife.