The European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus was once common across gardens and woodland edges throughout the UK, but populations have declined sharply in recent decades. In Britain, rural numbers are thought to have fallen by more than half since 2000. Thousands are killed on roads each year since they move widely, hunting at night. Intensive farming, hedgerow removal and tidier gardens also reduce shelter and safe routes. Conservation projects are helping through wildlife-friendly gardens, hedgehog highSways, reduced pesticide use and hedgerow restoration. Hedgehogs are now seen as important indicators of healthy, connected habitats.
Sarah Hanson is a BPA and BWPA award winning Yorkshire-based wildlife photographer with a passion for hares. She has a deep connection to nature and her photographs reflect just a small number of the wildlife encounters she feels privileged to have had.
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