It's Hedgehog Awareness Week
- April 2026
- Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue
Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most loved mammals, yet many people don’t realise just how vulnerable they are in our modern environments. As urban spaces expand and gardens become more enclosed, these small, nocturnal animals face increasing challenges in finding food, shelter, and safe routes to travel. During Hedgehog Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to learn more about their habits, understand the risks they encounter, and discover the simple steps we can all take to help them survive and thrive.Â
Did You Know?
Hedgehogs are fascinating animals, but they need our help to thrive:
• They travel surprisingly far – Hedgehogs can roam up to 1–2 miles in a single night searching for food and mates. That’s why  hedgehog highways (small gaps in fences) are so important to help them move safely between gardens.
• They have thousands of spines – An adult hedgehog has around 5,000–7,000 spines, which help protect them from predators.
• Some foods can harm them – Despite popular myths, hedgehogs should never be fed milk or bread. Milk can make them seriously ill, and bread offers little nutritional value. Instead, meaty cat or dog food and fresh water are much safer options.
During Hedgehog Awareness Week, we’re asking for your help to reduce the risks they face:
– Check your garden regularly for hazards
– Remove or raise netting so it doesn’t sit at ground level
– Cut up and dispose of string or plastic waste safely
– Consider creating a hedgehog highway in your fence
– Provide safe food and fresh water if you choose to feed wildlife
– Cover drain openingsÂ
As always, we’re incredibly grateful for your ongoing support. It allows us to provide the care, treatment, and second chances that animals like this hedgehog depend on.
Together, we can make our environment safer for local wildlife.
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