HogWatch

What is happening to our hedgehogs?

When did you last see a hedgehog? For some time anecdotal evidence has pointed to the absence of hedgehogs from gardens and countryside. Results from PTES’ Mammals on Roads survey is also showing direct evidence that hedgehogs in rural England, and probably Wales, are declining at a very rapid rate.

How serious is the decline and what’s causing it? To find out PTES and BHPS are carrying out a nationwide public participation survey of hedgehogs called HogWatch. The aim of HogWatch is to create a map of the distribution of hedgehogs across the UK. Hedgehogs are not found everywhere. For example where conditions in the countryside appear unsuitable for them they seem to be clustered in and around villages. In some regions they are clearly found in more places than in others. Many of you get hedgehogs visiting your garden and we would like you to let us know if you do. We would also like you to look out for hedgehogs in the wider countryside.

To create an accurate distribution map it is just as important for us to know the location of where you haven’t seen hedgehogs as where you have. Of course you can only say that you haven’t seen a hedgehog in a place that you have regularly looked - therefore we would also like to know if you haven’t had any hedgehogs visiting your garden all year. So please still submit your survey forms even if you have haven’t had any hedgehogs visiting your garden this year.

If you wish to contact us or register your details for further surveys please email us at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].

If you would prefer to be sent a paper form either send an email with your contact details to [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] or phone on 020 7498 4533