Hedgehog Highway
FREE with every fencing order- Create a safe Hedgehog Highway between neighbouring gardens
- Helps reconnect habitats and support Britain’s declining hedgehog population
- Clean, professional finish for a neat 13cm × 13cm wildlife access point
- Simple to install on composite or timber fence panels, with fixings included
- Durable, wildlife-friendly design made to become a permanent part of your garden
Introducing the Dino Hedgehog Highway frame
We know that many homeowners want to help local wildlife but aren’t always sure where to start.
That’s why we’ve developed the Dino Hedgehog Highway frame – a simple way to create safe routes for hedgehogs between gardens.
Designed to fit seamlessly into compatible fencing products, the frame can be seamlessly built-in and allow hedgehogs to move safely between gardens and reconnect the habitats they depend on.
The complimentary frame features:
- A built-in 13cm x 13cm hedgehog access point
- A clean, professional finish
- Simple installation
- Durable construction designed to last
- Wildlife-friendly design built into your garden from day one
Available as a complimentary addition with compatible fencing purchases from Dino Decking over the coming months, the frame makes it easier than ever for homeowners to create wildlife-friendly gardens and help reconnect Britain’s gardens for hedgehogs.
Want to help local wildlife? Our Dino Hedgehog Highway makes it simple to create a safe route between neighbouring gardens.
Designed to fit compatible fencing, it creates a neat 13cm x 13cm access point without compromising the finish of your garden.
- 13cm x 13cm hedgehog access
- Clean, built-in finish
- Simple to install
- Durable and wildlife-friendly
Available free with compatible Dino fencing purchases.
Hedgehog Highway Map
Explore our Hedgehog Highway map to see how gardens across Britain are being connected to support local wildlife. Each marker represents a Hedgehog Highway sent to a garden, helping create safer routes between neighbouring spaces.
As more households take part, these individual access points begin to form a wider network of hedgehog-friendly gardens, reducing habitat fragmentation and giving hedgehogs more freedom to move in search of food, shelter and mates.
Hedgehog Highway Map
Explore our Hedgehog Highway map and see how gardens across Britain are being connected for wildlife.
Each marker shows a Hedgehog Highway sent to a garden, helping create safer routes between neighbouring spaces. Together, these access points form a growing network that gives hedgehogs more freedom to find food, shelter and mates.
UK Hedgehog Research & Survey Findings
UK Hedgehog Research & Survey Findings
Hedgehogs are one of Britain’s most recognisable wild mammals, but populations have experienced significant long-term decline. The European hedgehog is classified as Vulnerable on Great Britain’s Red List for mammals, while The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report found that rural hedgehog populations had declined by between 30% and 75% nationally since 2000, with the largest declines recorded in eastern England.
The survey findings below are based on research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Dino Decking between 21 and 24 April 2026. The research surveyed 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents, including 1,756 garden owners.
Hedgehog sightings among UK garden owners
Among the UK garden owners surveyed, 41% said they had never seen a hedgehog in their garden, while 12% said they had not seen one for more than a year.
Gardens can provide important habitat for hedgehogs, while solid fences, walls and other boundaries can restrict movement between neighbouring spaces and contribute to habitat fragmentation.
Awareness of Hedgehog Highways
The research found that 60% of respondents had heard of Hedgehog Highways, while 29% said they fully understood what they are.
Respondents also identified concerns that could discourage the creation of wildlife access points, including appearance, installation, security and the possibility of attracting pests.
Attitudes towards wildlife-friendly gardens
The survey also explored attitudes towards wildlife-friendly garden design:
- 65% would prefer fencing with built-in wildlife access
- 54% would allow a neighbour to create a Hedgehog Highway
- 50% would be more likely to buy a wildlife-friendly home
- 42% believe new-build homes should include hedgehog access
- 47% already leave out food or water for hedgehogs
These findings provide a snapshot of UK respondents’ experiences, awareness and attitudes towards hedgehogs and wildlife-friendly garden design in 2026.
Why choose fencing with a built-in Hedgehog Highway?
Why choose fencing with a built-in Hedgehog Highway?
Want to create a Hedgehog Highway but worried about cutting into your fence?
Our limited edition Hedgehog Highway frame gives a neat, simple way to create wildlife access between gardens.
Available free with compatible Dino fencing purchases.
Our Hedgehog Highway neatly finishes a standard 13cm x 13cm access hole, creating a clean, professional look while helping hedgehogs move safely between gardens.
Simply cut the opening and fit the frame over the top.
Many homeowners love the idea of creating a Hedgehog Highway but aren’t always sure where to start.
While cutting an access point into an existing fence is possible, it’s understandable that some homeowners may have concerns around installation, appearance or achieving a neat finish.
That’s exactly why we’re proud to introduce our limited edition Hedgehog Highway frame, designed to fit most fence panels and make supporting local wildlife as simple as possible.
Available as a complimentary addition with compatible fencing purchases from Dino Decking over the coming months, the frame makes it easier than ever for homeowners to create wildlife-friendly gardens and help reconnect Britain’s gardens for hedgehogs.
Our Hedgehog Highway is designed to neatly finish a standard 13cm x 13cm wildlife access hole, giving it a clean, professional appearance while helping raise awareness of the importance of hedgehog-friendly gardens.
Simply cut the recommended opening in your fence and fit the frame over the top for a smart, branded finish that supports one of Britain’s most loved garden visitors.
How to install your Hedgehog highway
How to install your Hedgehog highway
Step 1: Measure and cut the opening
Measure and cut a 14cm x 14cm opening at the bottom of your fence. Make sure the opening sits level with the ground so hedgehogs can move through easily.
Step 2: Position the Hedgehog Highway
Place the Hedgehog Highway frame over the opening, making sure it is centred and sits flat against the fence. Use the four fixing holes in the frame to mark where you need to drill.
Step 3: Drill and secure the frame
Using a suitable-sized drill bit, drill the four marked holes. Then use the supplied nuts, bolts, allen key and spanner to fasten the Hedgehog Highway securely to the fence.
Step 4: Check the opening is safe and clear
Make sure the frame is firmly attached and check that the opening is completely clear, with no sharp edges or obstructions that could prevent hedgehogs from passing through safely.
Step 5: Your Hedgehog Highway is ready!
That’s it, your garden is now one step closer to becoming part of a connected network of Hedgehog Highways, ready to welcome its next prickly visitor.
Step 1: Measure and cut the opening
Step 2: Position the Hedgehog Highway
Step 3: Drill and secure the frame
Step 4: Check the opening is safe and clear
Step 5: Your Hedgehog Highway is ready!
How to make your garden more Hedgehog friendly
How to make your garden more Hedgehog friendly
Small changes can make a real difference for hedgehogs.
We’ve teamed up with Julia Sixsmith from Hindley Hedgehog Help to share simple ways to make your garden more hedgehog-friendly.
Small changes can make a big difference for local wildlife and helping hedgehogs doesn’t have to mean completely rethinking your garden.
To help homeowners get started, we’ve teamed up with Julia Sixsmith from Hindley Hedgehog Help, who has shared some simple, practical ways to make your outdoor space more welcoming for one of Britain’s most-loved garden visitors.
Install a Hedgehog Highway
Creating access between gardens is one of the most effective ways to support hedgehogs.
Leave fresh water out
A shallow dish of clean water can provide a valuable resource, particularly during warm weather.
Reduce pesticide use
Pesticides can reduce the insects and invertebrates that hedgehogs depend on for food.
Create shelter
Log piles, leaf piles and dedicated hedgehog houses can provide safe places to rest and hibernate.
Let parts of your garden grow wild
Allowing some areas to grow naturally creates habitat for insects and other wildlife.
Make ponds safe
Ensure ponds include a gentle slope or escape route to prevent wildlife from becoming trapped.
Check before strimming or mowing
Always inspect long grass, hedges and overgrown areas before using garden machinery.
Check before strimming or mowing
Always inspect long grass, hedges and overgrown areas before using garden machinery.
Frequently asked questions about Hedgehog Highways
Frequently asked questions about Hedgehog Highways
What Are Hedgehog Highways?
A Hedgehog Highway is a small opening at the base of a fence or wall that allows hedgehogs to move freely between neighbouring gardens.
Usually measuring around 13 cm square, these simple access points help create a network of connected outdoor spaces that hedgehogs can use to travel safely between habitats.
How Do Hedgehog Highways Work?
Hedgehogs naturally move between gardens searching for food, water, shelter and nesting sites, while also travelling to find mates during the breeding season. This regular movement is essential to their survival, which is why connected gardens play such an important role in supporting healthy hedgehog populations.
A Hedgehog Highway creates a safe route between these resources, allowing hedgehogs to move naturally through residential areas without being forced onto roads or becoming trapped.
Why Connected Gardens Matter
Although a single wildlife-friendly garden can be a valuable habitat, connected gardens have an even greater impact.
When multiple neighbouring gardens include Hedgehog Highways, they create wildlife corridors that support:
- Healthier hedgehog populations
- Greater access to food sources
- Improved breeding opportunities
- Increased biodiversity
Despite growing awareness campaigns, our research found that only 29% of people fully understand what a Hedgehog Highway is₂, highlighting the need for greater awareness around one of the easiest ways to help Britain’s hedgehogs.
Why Do Hedgehogs Need Holes In Fences?
Hedgehogs don’t stay in one garden. In fact, they can roam up to 2km every night searching for food, water and companions. To complete these journeys safely, they need access to multiple connected outdoor spaces.
Unfortunately, solid fencing and walls can prevent hedgehogs from reaching the resources they need. Our research found that:
- 15% of homeowners have discovered a hedgehog trapped in their garden
- 61% of gardens contain potential hazards, including steep drops, netting, drains or unfenced ponds
Without safe routes between gardens, hedgehogs may struggle to find food, become isolated from breeding populations or be forced towards busy roads.
Creating a small access point in a fence can help reduce these risks while supporting local wildlife.
Do Hedgehog Highways attract rats?
No evidence suggests Hedgehog Highways specifically attract rats. They simply allow wildlife to move naturally between gardens.
Can hedgehogs climb fences?
Hedgehogs can occasionally climb rough surfaces, but most garden fences act as significant barriers.
Will a Hedgehog Highway affect garden security?
No. The recommended opening size is large enough for hedgehogs but considered too small to impact garden security.
What is the best wildlife-friendly fencing option?
Fencing with a built-in Hedgehog Highway provides a simple way to support wildlife while maintaining a professional garden finish.
Should new-build homes include Hedgehog Highways?
Can I add a Hedgehog Highway to an existing fence?
Yes. You can cut an opening into an existing fence or choose purpose-built fencing with wildlife access already incorporated into the design.
What Are Hedgehog Highways?
A Hedgehog Highway is a small opening at the base of a fence or wall that allows hedgehogs to move freely between neighbouring gardens.
Usually measuring around 13 cm square, these simple access points help create a network of connected outdoor spaces that hedgehogs can use to travel safely between habitats.
How Do Hedgehog Highways Work?
Hedgehogs naturally move between gardens searching for food, water, shelter and nesting sites, while also travelling to find mates during the breeding season. This regular movement is essential to their survival, which is why connected gardens play such an important role in supporting healthy hedgehog populations.
A Hedgehog Highway creates a safe route between these resources, allowing hedgehogs to move naturally through residential areas without being forced onto roads or becoming trapped.
Why Connected Gardens Matter
Although a single wildlife-friendly garden can be a valuable habitat, connected gardens have an even greater impact.
When multiple neighbouring gardens include Hedgehog Highways, they create wildlife corridors that support:
- Healthier hedgehog populations
- Greater access to food sources
- Improved breeding opportunities
- Increased biodiversity
Despite growing awareness campaigns, our research found that only 29% of people fully understand what a Hedgehog Highway is₂, highlighting the need for greater awareness around one of the easiest ways to help Britain’s hedgehogs.
Why Do Hedgehogs Need Holes In Fences?
Hedgehogs don’t stay in one garden. In fact, they can roam up to 2km every night searching for food, water and companions. To complete these journeys safely, they need access to multiple connected outdoor spaces.
Unfortunately, solid fencing and walls can prevent hedgehogs from reaching the resources they need. Our research found that:
- 15% of homeowners have discovered a hedgehog trapped in their garden
- 61% of gardens contain potential hazards, including steep drops, netting, drains or unfenced ponds
Without safe routes between gardens, hedgehogs may struggle to find food, become isolated from breeding populations or be forced towards busy roads.
Creating a small access point in a fence can help reduce these risks while supporting local wildlife.
Do Hedgehog Highways attract rats?
No evidence suggests Hedgehog Highways specifically attract rats. They simply allow wildlife to move naturally between gardens.
Can hedgehogs climb fences?
Hedgehogs can occasionally climb rough surfaces, but most garden fences act as significant barriers.
Will a Hedgehog Highway affect garden security?
No. The recommended opening size is large enough for hedgehogs but considered too small to impact garden security.
What is the best wildlife-friendly fencing option?
Fencing with a built-in Hedgehog Highway provides a simple way to support wildlife while maintaining a professional garden finish.
Should new-build homes include Hedgehog Highways?
Many conservation organisations support their inclusion and our research found that 42% of homeowners agree.
Can I add a Hedgehog Highway to an existing fence?
Yes. You can cut an opening into an existing fence or choose purpose-built fencing with wildlife access already incorporated into the design.
Sources & Methodology
Sources & Methodology
- Great Britain conservation status:
European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) – classified as Vulnerable in Great Britain.
The Mammal Society – European Hedgehog - Population trends:
State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022, published by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, documents substantial long-term declines in rural hedgehog populations.
Read the report - Dino Decking UK Hedgehog Survey 2026:
Research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Dino Decking between 21 and 24 April 2026. The survey included 2,000 nationally representative UK respondents, including 1,756 garden owners.
Download the full survey findings (PDF) - Hedgehog Highway guidance:
Hedgehog Street guidance on creating approximately 13cm × 13cm access points between gardens and the importance of connected habitats.
Hedgehog Street – Link your garden