A major study using wildlife cameras in more than 400 gardens in Chester has shown hedgehogs visit over half of them after dark, with food the strongest draw. Researchers from Nottingham Trent University and Chester Zoo analysed thousands of images, finding gardens are becoming vital refuges as rural populations decline due to habitat loss, farming and roads.
While leaving food increases visits, scientists stress the importance of wildlife-friendly features such as native plants, leaf litter, log piles and fence gaps to allow hedgehogs to roam, breed and hibernate. Experts from Hedgehog Helpline and Royal Holloway, University of London urge careful feeding with suitable food and good hygiene, warning that gardens may now be key to the species’ survival in the UK.
