Hedgehog Highways

Author - Alexandra Karaminas

What are "Hedgehog Highways" and how do they help?

Hedgehogs are quite commonly found in parks and gardens. With trees and hedges offering shade and shelter, and with insect-rich grassy lawns, it’s no wonder they’re a popular spot among these small creatures.

However, they still face obstacles in urbanised and ruralised areas, such as reduced green spaces, reduced food supply due to intensive farming, and the risk of becoming roadkill.

Every night they travel at least a mile in search of food and a mate, but our fences and walls can actually impede on their journey. By creating safe spaces for them to roam, we can give them a chance. You can help our little friends by creating a Hedgehog Highway: a safe tunnel for hedgehogs and other small animals to safely pass and roam from one garden to the next.

Where are they most useful?

It would be ideal to replace all fences and walls with thick grassy hedges, however, we understand that this isn’t always practical for people. If your garden backs onto a forest or grassy area then you will be providing them with unlimited access to insects, snails, slugs, worms, etc. Or by connecting a row of gardens behind a row of terrace houses, you'd be providing them with a lot of space to wander about!

There are many ways you can create your highway and it’s a great way of getting involved with your neighbours too.

Hedgehog Highways provide a great way to increase the area of suitable habitat for hedgehogs in your local area.

How do I set one up?

Create a 13cm by 13cm hole (roughly the size of a CD case) in your fence or make any existing holes bigger. This is a sufficient size for hedgehogs to safely pass through. First, draw the outline of the hole. Next, use a wood drill-bit or jigsaw to cut out the shape
Dig a channel underneath your fence using a spade, remembering to offer enough space for them to pass through
Remove a brick from the bottom of a wall

Remember to check with your neighbours first, be safe when using tools, and if you’re a child always seek the help of an adult