Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most beloved wildlife species, but their numbers have plummeted by over 50% in the last two decades. This alarming decline is due in part to the modern designs of garden fences that block these creatures from their natural pathways. Hedgehogs, being nocturnal and traveling significant distances each night for food, mates, and shelter, find themselves trapped and isolated by these barriers.

Hedgehogs are integral to our ecosystem as they control garden pests and contribute to healthy biodiversity. The solution is simple: create hedgehog highways by including small 13 cm x 13 cm holes at ground level in all new and existing garden fences and walls. Such a measure would allow hedgehogs to roam freely, access diverse food sources, and find appropriate mating partners, all crucial for their survival.

This initiative has already gained traction with some local councils and businesses taking the lead. We can amplify these efforts by calling on the UK government to make it a mandatory requirement for all property owners to incorporate these vital passageways in their garden fences and walls. These small adjustments to our fences can have a big impact on hedgehog populations and help reverse their decline.

Supporting this cause means we actively protect our cherished hedgehogs and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our surroundings. Please sign this petition to urge policymakers to enforce mandatory hedgehog highways in all UK garden fences, ensuring a safer and more connected environment for these remarkable animals. Together, we can make a difference for hedgehogs now and for future generations.