Guidance

Hedgehog highways are essential for combating habitat fragmentation for hedgehogs.

The Hole: Create a gap approx. 13cm x 13cm (5 x 5 inches) at ground level. This is large enough for hedgehogs but generally too small for most pets.

Fences: Cut holes in wooden fences (ensure no sharp edges). For concrete gravel boards, a hole can sometimes be carefully drilled, or more easily, a channel tunnelled underneath (ensure stability). For metal fences, cutting may be difficult; consider alternatives like gaps under gates.

Walls: Can be incorporated into new walls using a small pipe or purpose-made hedgehog brick/tunnel. Retrofitting requires carefully removing a brick or section at ground level.

Location: Create gaps in multiple boundary fences/walls within a neighbourhood to create connected network. Avoid creating holes directly onto busy roads.

Marking: Consider using small signs or markers (available from wildlife charities) to indicate hedgehog holes, preventing accidental blocking.

Awareness: Promote the concept to neighbours to encourage wider participation. The 'Hedgehog Street' campaign provides resources.

Complementary Actions: Make gardens hedgehog-friendly: provide shelter (log piles, dense shrubs, hedgehog houses), avoid slug pellets/pesticides, provide shallow water dishes (especially in dry weather), check carefully before strimming/bonfires.