How to create ahedgehog highway in your garden

Hedgehogs are one of Britain’s most loved wild animals, but they’re in trouble. Since the year 2000, we’ve lost about a third of our urban hedgehogs. One big reason is that their routes are blocked. Fences, walls and roads stop them from finding food, shelter and mates.

The good news? We can all help.

A small hole in your garden fence, called a hedgehog highway, can make a big difference. It helps hedgehogs move between gardens and green spaces.

Why Hedgehog Highways Are Important

Hedgehogs can travel up to a mile each night. They need to roam to find food and safe places to nest. If their path is blocked, they can become stuck. This puts them in danger.

Since 2014, we’ve added hedgehog highways and hotels into all our new developments. These form part of a bigger plan to support local wildlife. It’s one way we go beyond the basics to help nature recover.

How to Make a Hedgehog Highway

It’s quick and easy to do. Cut a small hole in or under your fence:

• 13cm x 13cm is the right size—big enough for a hedgehog but too small for most pets

• Place it at ground level, or just above

• Keep it clear of obstacles, like steep drops or walls

• Add a sign or label, so others know not to block it

If you share a fence, speak to your neighbour and see if they’ll join in too. The more gardens that link together, the better.

Label Your Hedgehog Highway

Once your highway hole is in place, it’s important to make it clear what it’s for. That way, neighbours and future residents know not to block it.

We add recycled plastic signs to every hedgehog highway we create. These small labels let people know the hole is part of a nature friendly network. You can buy hedgehog highway signs online or make your own with waterproof materials.

Please don’t cover or seal any labelled holes. They’re there to help hedgehogs move through our towns and gardens. Each one plays a small part in helping this much loved species survive and thrive.

Add a Hedgehog Hotel

A hedgehog hotel gives these little creatures a safe place to sleep or hibernate. You can buy one or build your own using natural, untreated wood.

Place it:

• In a quiet, shady spot

• Away from busy paths or roads

• Close to your highway hole

• Near twigs or leaves that hedgehogs can use for nesting

Look for a design with a tunnel or wall inside—it helps protect hedgehogs from predators like foxes.

What Should You Feed a Hedgehog?

If you’d like to help visiting hedgehogs with a meal, here’s what to do:

• Leave out fresh water, especially in warm weather

• Offer wet or dry cat or dog food (no fish flavour)

• Never give milk or bread—these make hedgehogs ill

• Avoid mealworms—they lack nutrients and can cause health problems

Small Changes, Big Impact

Every hedgehog hole helps. And when lots of us join in, we create a huge network of safe paths and shelters across our towns and cities.

We believe nature should be part of every neighbourhood. That’s why we design our developments to support wildlife, to bring people and nature closer together.

Want more tips? Download our free wildlife gardening guide to help hedgehogs and other creatures thrive.