A landmark wildlife study has used hidden cameras to unveil the secret nocturnal life of hedgehogs in British gardens, highlighting the critical role these private spaces play for the declining species.
Food Fuels Garden Visits
In one of the largest projects of its kind in the UK, researchers from Nottingham Trent University and Chester Zoo analysed thousands of images from cameras placed in 415 volunteer gardens across Cheshire. The study, which aimed to understand how hedgehogs use urban habitats, found the spiky mammals were present in 57 per cent of the gardens surveyed.
The availability of food was the most significant factor. Hedgehogs were detected in 78 per cent of gardens where specific hedgehog food was provided and 53 per cent where bird food was left on the ground. This presence dropped to just 46 per cent in gardens where no food was put out. Notably, only just over a quarter (28 per cent) of all gardens studied had food left out for hedgehogs.
Unexpected Fox Encounters and Feeding Warnings
The research yielded a surprising correlation: hedgehogs were 70 per cent more likely to be seen in gardens where foxes had also been detected. Camera footage even captured instances of the two species sharing food bowls, despite foxes being a potential predator.
Lead researcher Kelly Hitchcock, a PhD student at Nottingham Trent University, cautioned that while supplementary feeding clearly shapes hedgehog movement, the practice requires more investigation. "Despite the possible benefits of supplementary feeding, it can pose potential risks such as increased disease transmission among animals, altered hibernation behaviour, increased aggression between species and changes in species community structure," she warned.
A Collaborative Glimpse into Conservation
The project, described as "fascinating and ambitious" by Chester Zoo's Leah Williams, relied on public participation to access private gardens. "We know many were surprised to find that their gardens host hedgehogs, which are nocturnal, and we like to think this was a nice way for the participants to feel more connected to species living just beyond their doorstep," Williams said.
The researchers encourage gardeners to continue incorporating wildlife-friendly features, as these are beneficial for hedgehogs and other species. The data will contribute to further studies, including one examining the interactions between hedgehogs, foxes, and badgers. "There is more research needed, and public participation has huge potential to help us understand how UK wildlife and people coexist within a changing world," concluded Ms Hitchcock.
