Hedgehog Conservation - Watchet Conservation Society

Hedgehog Champions

Our Hedgehog Champions network is at the heart of local hedgehog conservation efforts. These dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to monitor hedgehog populations, create safe habitats, and raise awareness about the challenges facing these beloved creatures.

Hedgehogs are in serious decline across the UK, with numbers falling by up to 50% in rural areas since 2000. In Watchet and the surrounding areas, we're working to reverse this trend through targeted conservation actions.

Become a Hedgehog Champion

Creating Hedgehog Highways

One of the biggest threats to hedgehogs is habitat fragmentation. Gardens and green spaces are being divided by fences and walls, preventing hedgehogs from accessing the large territories they need to find food and mates.

Our Hedgehog Highway initiative encourages residents to create small gaps (13cm x 13cm) at the bottom of fences and walls, allowing hedgehogs to move freely between gardens.

Over 50 local properties have created hedgehog highways
Mapping connected habitat corridors across Watchet
Free hedgehog highway hole cutting service available

How You Can Help

Create a Hedgehog Highway

Make a small gap in your fence or wall to help hedgehogs roam. We can help with cutting and installation.

Provide Food & Water

Leave out shallow dishes of fresh water and meat-based cat or dog food (not fish-based). Never give milk or bread.

Build a Hedgehog Home

Create a safe nesting site using logs, leaves, and sticks in a quiet corner of your garden.

Report Sightings

Help us monitor the local hedgehog population by recording your hedgehog sightings.

Check Before You Strim

Always check long grass and undergrowth before strimming or mowing to avoid injuring hedgehogs.

Avoid Pesticides

Chemical pesticides reduce hedgehogs' natural food sources. Choose organic alternatives where possible.

Hedgehog Survey Results

Our ongoing hedgehog survey helps us understand population trends and identify priority areas for conservation action.

Key findings from our latest survey:

Hedgehog activity recorded in 23 different locations across Watchet
Evidence of breeding populations in established garden networks
Increased sightings in areas with connected green spaces
Road casualties remain a significant threat

We're using this data to target our conservation efforts where they'll have the greatest impact.

Found an Injured Hedgehog?

If you find a hedgehog that appears injured, sick, or out during the day, it may need help.

What to do:

Gently pick up the hedgehog using gloves or a towel
Place in a high-sided cardboard box with newspaper and a towel
Provide a shallow dish of water (not milk)
Keep warm using a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel
Contact a hedgehog rescue centre immediately

Hedgehog Rescue Advice:

British Hedgehog Preservation Society: 01584 890 801
Hedgehog first aid advice

If the hedgehog is obviously injured or in pain, please contact a local vet as soon as possible.