The Dangers of Fences for Hedgehogs and Wildlife

Please be aware that some images in this blog may be distressing, but they serve to educate on the dangers that certain types of fencing pose to hedgehogs and other wildlife.

In the midst of urban development and expanding farmlands, humans have significantly transformed natural landscapes to suit their needs. Fences are a common feature in many gardens, farms, schools and other spaces. While they help define property boundaries, enhance security and potentially keep unwanted animals out, they often pose unexpected dangers for small wildlife, particularly hedgehogs and other species that rely on open movement for survival.

How Fences Disrupt Wildlife Movement

Many small animals, including hedgehogs, rely on the ability to roam freely across large areas in search of food, shelter, and mates. Hedgehogs, for example, can travel up to two miles a night in search of food like insects, slugs, and worms. Fences, particularly solid ones like a timber garden fence, create an unnatural barrier that blocks their path, cutting off access to important resources but mesh fences can also have their dangers

This fragmentation of their habitat can lead to a host of issues

Increased Risk of Injury: Mesh and chainlink security fences, especially those with sharp metal edges, pose significant dangers to wildlife attempting to squeeze through small gaps. For instance, hedgehogs, when startled or chased, won’t search for appropriately sized holes but will attempt to escape through any opening, even if it’s too small. This often results in them getting stuck, particularly due to their spiny bodies, leading to serious or fatal injuries. Many hedgehog deaths have been linked to becoming trapped in or under fences they cannot escape from.

An example is shown below with a fox cub.  Luckily it was rescued in this case but in many cases this would be fatal and an important reminder why vertical bar fences should be specified in certain areas.

Limited Access to Food and Water: With restricted movement from solid fences, hedgehogs and other animals may struggle to find sufficient food or water. This is especially true in urban areas, most commonly gardens where natural resources are already limited.  

Isolation and Reduced Gene Flow: Animals, like hedgehogs, need to interact with other populations to maintain genetic diversity. Fences can trap individuals in isolated patches, limiting their ability to find mates, which reduces genetic variation and, over time, weakens the species' overall health and resilience.

Hedgehogs and the "Fence Effect"

Hedgehogs are a prime example of a species particularly vulnerable to fencing. Known for their nocturnal habits, these creatures need to move freely between gardens and wild areas to sustain themselves. Solid garden fences, though helpful for privacy or keeping pets in, can trap hedgehogs within a small area. Over time, this isolation can lead to starvation or death. The "fence effect" essentially turns small, connected habitats into isolated islands where hedgehogs cannot access what they need.

Below is an example of a hedgehog stuck in a mesh security fence and the importance of specifying a different style fence like a vertical bar fence that allows animals to move between.

The Issue of Plastic and Composite Fences

Plastic or composite fences are another growing concern. When damaged or degraded, these fences can break into small, sharp pieces that pose hazards to both wildlife and the environment. Small animals, particularly rodents or birds, can ingest plastic fragments, mistaking them for food, which can lead to internal injuries or death. The long-term breakdown of plastic into microplastics also pollutes the environment, impacting the broader ecosystem.

Solutions for Wildlife-Friendly Fencing

Fortunately, there are ways to make fences more wildlife-friendly without compromising on security or functionality:

Create Hedgehog Highways: One of the most popular solutions for hedgehogs is creating small gaps (about 13cm by 13cm) at the base of fences. Known as “hedgehog highways,” these gaps allow hedgehogs to move freely between gardens while keeping larger animals, like dogs or foxes, out.  Some manufacturers like Jacksons Fencing sell a gravel board that is safe for hedgehogs to use.

Use Vertical Bar Railings or Security Fences: Choose fences with more permeability for small wildlife, such as vertical bar security fences. These designs provide ample gaps, allowing animals like hedgehogs, rabbits, and frogs to move freely and safely through them.

Install Hedgehog-Friendly Gates: If you have a garden gate, consider leaving a small space between the gate and the ground for wildlife to pass under. This simple adjustment can create a safe passageway without affecting the gate’s functionality.

Avoid Sharp or Barbed wire Fencing: Fences with sharp edges or barbed wire can cause severe injuries to wildlife trying to cross or climb them. Opt for smooth, wildlife-safe designs wherever possible.

The Broader Impact on Biodiversity

When fences fragment habitats, the overall biodiversity of an area suffers. Hedgehogs are just one species affected by this issue. Many others, such as frogs, newts, birds, and insects, rely on uninterrupted access to their habitats. When they are blocked by fences, their numbers decline, leading to broader environmental imbalances.

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Each species, no matter how small, plays a role in the balance of nature. When one is disrupted, it often has a cascading effect on others, threatening the overall health of the environment.

Conclusion

Fences may seem like a minor detail in our landscape, but their impact on wildlife is significant. For species like hedgehogs, which are already facing declining numbers due to habitat loss, road traffic, and pesticide use, fences represent yet another challenge to their survival. By making small changes to how we design, specify and install fences, we can make a big difference in helping wildlife thrive alongside us. At the moment only a small number of companies are promoting awareness of this fact, one is Jacksons Security Fencing who are trying to encourage architects to specify vertical bar fencing and also displaying hedgehog friendly fences on their website.

Whether a headteacher who does not want a school of children seeing a hedgehog stuck in a fence or an architect who is mindful or wildlife.  We must all be mindful of the boundaries we create and work towards making our shared spaces accessible and safe for all creatures. After all, our gardens and green spaces are not just our own; they belong to the diverse array of wildlife that call them home.