Log your ‘hogs’: Hedgehog Street reveals which counties are recording the most hedgehog sightings

For the first time Hedgehog Street has revealed the counties across the British Isles who are recording the most (and least) number of native hedgehog sightings.

The Hedgehog Street team are calling for more people (especially in the areas where fewer records have been submitted) to record sightings of Britain’s favourite mammal online, to ensure the BIG hedgehog map reflects the most accurate picture of hedgehogs that have been seen in Britain.

The data, which is from Hedgehog Street’s BIG hedgehog map, shows all recorded sightings of hedgehogs since 2015. Hedgehog Street has collated these sightings to create a ‘heat map’ showing where in the British Isles the public is most actively recording sightings of hedgehogs.

The top five hedgehog spotting counties are:
1 – Hampshire with 1,250
2 – Oxfordshire with 803
3 – Greater Manchester also with 803
4 – Devon with 701
5 – Hertfordshire 669

Emily Wilson, Hedgehog officer for Hedgehog Street says, “We’re so pleased that across the country, from rural Hampshire to urban landscapes such as Greater Manchester, are actively recording sightings of hedgehogs when they see them. While the heat map does not reflect actual hedgehog distribution, the more data we can gather, the better picture we have of where hedgehogs are located across the British isles, which helps us to protect these beautiful but endangered animals.”

The areas with the fewest sightings recorded include:

1 – Bath and north-east Somerset with 60
2 – Isle of Wight with 63
3 – Bristol with 107

Emily went on to say, “A lower number or no sightings doesn’t necessarily mean there are less hedgehogs in the given area, but simply that we’re not being told about them. Therefore, we’re asking anyone who sees a hedgehog to record their sightings on the BIG hedgehog map – so if you’re lucky enough to spot one, please log your ‘hog’.”

As well as logging sightings of hedgehogs, the BIG hedgehog map can also record when someone has made a hedgehog hole in or under their garden fence or wall – something Hedgehog Street strongly encourages, as this allows hedgehogs wider access to food, shelter and mates.