Why Feeding Hedgehogs Matters in the UK and How to Do It Safely
Hedgehogs, the scientific name - Erinaceus europaeus, are one of Britain’s most loved garden visitors, yet they are in serious decline across much of the country. In England, hedgehogs are listed as a Species of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, meaning they are formally recognised as a conservation priority. Natural England has also published guidance on what favourable conservation status would look like for hedgehogs, underlining the concern about their long term future. Once common in hedgerows and farmland, hedgehogs are now more frequently found in gardens, parks, allotments, woodland edges and field margins. In many areas, domestic gardens have become vital refuges. By making small, thoughtful changes including responsible supplementary feeding, we can help support local populations and create safer habitats.
Hedgehogs are natural insectivores. Their diet in the wild consists mainly of beetles, caterpillars, worms and other invertebrates. However, during dry weather, after hibernation in spring, or in autumn when they need to build up fat reserves for winter, natural food can become scarce. This is where supplementary feeding can make a real difference.
Yes, you can feed hedgehogs meat based wet cat or dog food, as long as it is not fish based. Dry cat or kitten biscuits are also widely recommended by UK wildlife charities such as the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and Hedgehog Street. Always choose products where meat is the main ingredient and avoid foods that are bulked out with fillers. Fresh water in a shallow dish should be provided every night, particularly during warm spells.
It is equally important to know what not to feed hedgehogs. Milk is harmful because hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and it can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Bread has very little nutritional value and simply fills them up without providing the protein they need. Large quantities of mealworms should also be avoided as a staple food, as excessive feeding has been linked to nutritional imbalance. Nuts should never be offered. Although a hedgehog may attempt to nibble nuts if they come across them, they are unsuitable for several reasons. Nuts present a choking hazard, are difficult to digest, are too high in fat and do not provide the right nutritional balance for an insect eating mammal. Hard nuts can also damage teeth. Peanuts, mixed nuts and peanut butter are all best avoided. If you feed birds in your garden, it is sensible to use raised bird feeders to prevent hedgehogs from accessing fallen nuts at ground level.
Feeding alone is not enough. Habitat is just as important. A hedgehog friendly garden should include log piles, leaf piles and undisturbed corners where insects can thrive and hedgehogs can nest. Installing a hedgehog house in a quiet, sheltered spot provides additional security.
Creating a small gap at the base of fencing allows hedgehogs to move between gardens, forming so called hedgehog highways that are essential for foraging and breeding. If you have a pond, ensure there is a simple ramp or sloped edge so hedgehogs can climb out if they fall in.
Always check long grass before strimming and check bonfires thoroughly before lighting, as hedgehogs often shelter inside. Avoid using slug pellets, pesticides and leaving loose netting at ground level, as these can cause injury or secondary poisoning.
Badgers are a natural predator of hedgehogs, but in urban areas the greatest threats are roads, garden machinery, chemicals and habitat fragmentation. Simple steps taken by neighbours working together can significantly improve survival rates.
If you find a hedgehog out in daylight, it may be in distress, although mothers with young may occasionally forage during the day. Warning signs include wobbling, appearing unusually small in late autumn, visible injury, lying out in the open or showing little response when approached. If you are concerned, place the hedgehog in a high sided box lined with a towel and provide warmth using a wrapped hot water bottle. Do not offer milk. You can take the hedgehog to a local vet, who is legally obliged to provide first aid to wildlife, or contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society or the RSPCA for advice and details of local rescue centres.
If you discover a nest with hoglets, do not disturb it. Only intervene if the mother is confirmed dead or the young are alone, cold, crying continuously or visibly injured. Never attempt to rear hoglets yourself, as they require specialist care and feeding. Contact a rescue organisation immediately.
By offering appropriate supplementary food, avoiding harmful foods such as nuts and milk, providing safe shelter and reducing hazards, UK gardens can become powerful conservation spaces. Small changes made consistently can help ensure that hedgehogs continue to thrive in Britain’s gardens and green spaces for generations to come.